Interim Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday broke his silence on the LDF’s defeat in the recent Assembly elections, calling it “unexpected” and “not the end” of the coalition’s political career.
In a statement issued by his office, Vijayan said he accepted the general mandate “with respect” and thanked the segment of voters who supported the LDF at the polls.
“Although we expected victory for the third time in a row, it gives us great confidence that a large section of the population sided with the LDF. This ruling is not the end of the LDF but a new beginning for continued political work,” the Prime Minister said. “We are committed to regaining the public’s trust and moving forward.”
He said that development activities and implementation of public welfare schemes over the past ten years by the LDP government have brought about significant changes in society. He added that there must be strong public awareness so that these projects and plans do not stop.
Vijayan, who is also a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), said the LDF, as the opposition in Kerala, will put “democratic pressure” on the new government to continue implementing much-needed policies on eradicating extreme poverty, enhancing women’s security and providing employment opportunities to the youth.
“We will support any positive action that will improve the quality of life of people. At the same time, we will vigorously fight anti-people policies. The LDF’s goal is to act as a responsible opposition,” Vijayan said.
The Prime Minister described the BJP’s victory in three Assembly seats as a “mighty concern” and promised to continue the LDF’s fight against communal and divisive forces.
The veteran leader of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) said there were “false campaigns” against the LDF government being spread by a section of the media.
“This election result is a result of a political situation created by the United Democratic Front, BJP and a section of the media against us. Some people have fallen for false propaganda of some centers which are anarchic and apolitical in nature,” he said.
Vijayan’s first public statement comes three days after the LDF lost the Assembly elections, in which it bagged only 35 of the 140 seats. While the United Democratic Front won 102 seats, the BJP clinched three seats – all LDF seats.
The CPI(M) said it will conduct a comprehensive review of the election results at all levels of the party — from the branch to the district level — where all party leaders and workers will find an opportunity to express their views “fearlessly and independently.” The party is expected to explain the reasons for the defeat after the review.
