Kollam (Kerala) | Ahead of the April 9 Assembly polls in Kerala, senior RSP leader N K Premachandran has accused the ruling CPI(M) of having an electoral understanding with the BJP in 30 constituencies across the state, but asserted that the opposition UDF will overcome any such "unholy nexus" to emerge victorious in the hustings.
Revolutionary Socialist Party is a constituent of the Congress-led opposition UDF bloc.
"There is a give-and-take understanding between the CPI(M) and the BJP in more than 30 Assembly constituencies in Kerala," the senior Lok Sabha MP, a strong critic of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF, told PTI in an interview.
Premachandran, however, asserted that the UDF would overcome what he termed an "unholy nexus."
The Kollam MP, known for his performance as a parliamentarian, said there is strong public sentiment against the Left government, which he claimed has affected all sectors in the state over the past 10 years.
He said the UDF is approaching the election with a clear plan focused on development across sectors and has presented its policies before the people.
"We have a clear plan and policies for the election," he said.
Alleging total governance failure, Premachandran said sectors including health, education, industry, investment, and finance have "collapsed" under the LDF government.
"This has created widespread dissatisfaction among the public, and regaining the confidence of the people is the main target of the UDF," he said.
He added that the opposition bloc is focusing on a constructive and positive campaign rather than a negative one.
"It is evident from our rallies, including the recently concluded Puthuyuga Yatra, which received wide acceptance. I was part of it in nine districts," he said.
Premachandran claimed that the younger generation is increasingly receptive to the UDF's welfare and development-oriented policies.
"This is a good indication that we will win with a good majority," he said.
He identified anti-incumbency as a key factor in the election, alleging that there is strong resentment against both the government and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
"It has been an autocratic style of governance over the past 10 years. For welfare, justice, employment and even admissions, everything has to be routed through the party and relatives," he alleged.
He also accused the CPI(M) of corruption and amassing wealth using political power.
"Today, CPI(M) has become the most financially powerful political entity in Kerala. Governance has been used as a tool to accumulate wealth," he claimed.
Referring to recent political developments, Premachandran said several former CPI(M) leaders, including G Sudhakaran, have left the party and are contesting as UDF candidates, some under the Congress symbol.
"This is unprecedented in Kerala’s political history. It shows that the party has deviated from its core values," he said.
He further alleged that the CPI(M) has shifted towards "extreme right-wing policies," claiming that even traditional Left supporters may rethink their stance in this election.
"People who hold Left values, including supporters of CPI(M) and CPI, will not allow Pinarayi Vijayan to return as chief minister. There is concern that Kerala may go the way of West Bengal or Tripura," he said, apparently indicating at a defeat of the Communist government.
Regarding the Sabarimala gold loss issue becoming a key election issue, the Kollam MP said that financial irregularities at the Devaswom boards have hurt devotees.
The incident has "exposed" both the government and the CPI(M).
"Earlier, CPI(M) kept away from Devaswom (temple board) affairs and appointed non-political, unbiased individuals. Now politicians are being appointed with the intention of financial gain," he alleged.
He claimed that those like the Travancore Devaswom Board and Guruvayur Devaswom are being treated as "sources of revenue."
"These incidents have hurt devotees. More than issues like the Sabarimala women entry, the alleged theft of Ayyappa temple properties, including gold from Dwarapalaka idols and the sanctum door-frame have deeply affected sentiments," he said.
Regarding the BJP's growth in Kerala, Premachandran said there is an understanding between the CPI(M) and the saffron party.
He claimed that meetings held by Vijayan with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in November last year resulted in "secret agreements."
"This is now becoming evident in several constituencies. There are clear indications of such arrangements in over 30 seats," he alleged, citing Chengannur as an example. Despite this, he expressed confidence that the UDF would secure a decisive mandate.
Asked whether the internal issues within the Congress were reflected in the delay in finalising candidates, including the controversy over Kannur MP K Sudhakaran, Premachandran said that it could have affected the party but has now been resolved.
Speaking about RSP, he said it is contesting from four seats and supporting an Independent in one constituency and expressed confidence of winning all of them.
UDF, overall, win about 100 seats, he said.
Commenting on political trends outside Kerala, Premachandran said the DMK-led alliance is likely to secure a major victory in Tamil Nadu. He expects Congress to improve the tally in Assam.
