‘People will not accept Pinarayi as CM due to his arrogant attitude’: Congress MLA VD Satheesan

Satheesan says that Kerala is basically a Left-leaning state where large sections of people, who are not CPI (M) sympathisers
‘People will not accept Pinarayi as CM due to his arrogant attitude’: Congress MLA VD Satheesan
‘People will not accept Pinarayi as CM due to his arrogant attitude’: Congress MLA VD Satheesan
Written by:

A tough fight is on the cards in Paravur constituency in Ernakulam. The UDF is fielding VD Satheesan, the sitting MLA who lays claim to a number of developmental initiatives in the constituency. Squaring off against him for the LDF is Sharada Mohan, the daughter of former Chief Minister, PK Vasudevan Nair.

Satheesan, the three-time legislator from Paravur, has been known for his unbending stand on various issues, as well as his strong statements, directed even against his own party at times.

Speaking to The News Minute, Satheesan exudes confidence that Paravur will be won for the UDF with a high majority in this election as well.

Satheesan is equally confident that the UDF can beat the anti-incumbency sentiment this time around thanks to a whole series of initiatives undertaken in the last five years.

“This time, the government has created a lot of development, many projects which were just on paper for almost 25 years have been put into place on the ground. Amidst all the controversies, the government was able to achieve its aim,” says the Congress MLA.

“This government was the most successful in introducing social security schemes and other charity projects,” he added.

Satheesan, the Congress’ critical insider, says that LDF are not able to prove themselves a viable alternative this election.

“UDF might have some limitations, but the LDF have failed to establish themselves as an alternative. That will help UDF’s victory,” he says.

According to him, Kerala’s middle class can never accept Pinarayi Vijayan as chief Minister. “Though the LDF have fielded VS Achuthanandan on one side, people know that Pinarayi will be the CPI (M)’s CM candidate. People will not accept Pinarayi as a CM, due to his arrogant attitude,” Satheesan says.

“Achuthanandan is accepted by the people of Kerala because he has created an anti-Pinarayi attitude,” he adds.

Satheesan says that Kerala is basically a Left-leaning state where large sections of people, who are not CPI (M) sympathisers, vote for LDF. “But sometimes UDF candidates win when this portion reverses their support, voting for UDF. That is how I win, LDF’s fellow travellers vote for me. This is a state-wide problem for LDF,” he says.

The reason, Satheesan says, for this reverse voting is the LDF’s inability to offer a clear alternative.

Satheesan’s major successes in the constituency, according to him, are successful drinking water projects, complete electrification, developed connectivity to Kochi city through highways and bridges, and tourism development among others.

“Paravur is the only place in Kerala where so many tourism projects are happening continuously. In the education sector too we have brought many innovative developments,” he says.

He particularly points to innovations in the mid-day meal scheme introduced in all Paravur government and aided schools. While, usually, government schools provide only rice with a peas or gram curry, in Paravur the project now provides meals with multiple curries and vegetable dishes. 

Related Stories

No stories found.
The News Minute
www.thenewsminute.com