In an exclusive video interview with The News Minute, Oommen Chandy responded to personal allegations, corruption charges against his government and why he continues to stand by his tainted cabinet colleagues with characteristic aplomb and political acumen.

Responding to whether a slew of recent allegations including that of Saritha’s had ever bogged him down on the personal front, the Kerala CM had this to say: “It's only when there is even an iota of truth in such baseless statements that one would feel disheartened. Saritha’s allegations actually propel me to work with renewed vigour and determination. Such charges are mere allegations yet to be proved. These just make me work harder.”

When asked why he chose to allow candidates with a tainted record to contest yet again in the upcoming state assembly polls, Chandy reiterated that while he abhorred corruption in all forms, unproved charges of corruption thrown around with the sole purpose of discrediting someone was equally despicable.