Pannian: nation needs a govt. committed to fortifying democracy

The Left holds a pivotal position in serving as a corrective force within the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc and throughout the nation, veteran Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Pannian Raveendran has said.

The Left Democratic Front (LDF)’s candidate in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency is confident of the CPI(M)led coalition emerging victorious at the upcoming polls.

In an interview with The Hindu, the former CPI State secretary emphasised that the main competition was between the LDF and the United Democratic Front (UDF), downplaying the prospects of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Better alternative

Stressing how the LDF has positioned itself as a better alternative within the INDIA grouping during electioneering in Kerala, Mr. Raveendran cited the crucial role played by the Left parties during the tenure of the first United Progressive Alliance government in enacting landmark legislations, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, Right to Information Act, and Forest Rights Act that have had a significant impact on the nation in recent years.

“As seen in the electoral bonds scam, the distinction between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress appears minimal. What the nation truly requires is a government committed to fortifying democracy, preserving secularism, and ensuring the right to live with dignity for all citizens. To achieve this goal, it is imperative for Left parties to have sufficient representation at the Central level,” he said.

‘No wave now’

Mr. Raveendran asserted there was no discernible “wave” in favour of the UDF, unlike the significant vote swing in the 2019 elections amidst the Sabarimala women entry controversy and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s candidacy from Wayanad.

“Voters have come to recognise that UDF MPs have fallen short in addressing Kerala’s concerns and securing developmental projects for the State,” he said.

In Thiruvananthapuram, he added, the UDF was expected to experience a significant erosion of votes in the coastal region. Mr. Tharoor’s purported support for Adani Group and the Vizhinjam International Seaport project amid local community protests had alienated significant portions of the electorate. Besides, his stance on issues such as the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Hamas, and Ayodhya Ram Temple was likely to have a negative impact on his electoral prospects. These factors were expected to sway votes in favour of the LDF, Mr. Raveendran claimed.

Key grievances

He said the electorate in Thiruvananthapuram was disgruntled due to 15 years of stagnant development. The key grievances include the absence of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences, despite the area’s suitability, and the unmet promises of a Kerala High Court Bench and a railway complex at Thampanoor. These unresolved matters hold significant sway over voting preferences.

Despite gaining traction on social media with numerous ambitious claims and pledges, the NDA was likely to falter as voters discern their true intentions.

“Thiruvananthapuram holds significant importance as a star constituency for the BJP. However, questions arise regarding the party’s commitment to the constituency’s needs, especially considering their neglect during the candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s tenure as Minister. Campaigning for votes based on projects that are yet to be conceptualised reflects hollow promises lacking genuine dedication to Thiruvananthapuram’s and Kerala’s development as a whole,” Mr. Raveendran said.

Full interview: https:// newsth.live/Pannian

Pannian Raveendran