‘Sabarimala row a non-existent issue, has no effect on devotees'

In an elaborate conversation with TNIE, Kerala Chief Minister says the Left should be able to retain its present numbers, if not more in the State Assembly polls

- ANIL S @ Pattambi (Palakkad)

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan

How do you assess the initial response to your election campaign?

I have seen a people’s upsurge right from the beginning. Contrary to usual practice, the gatherings have been massive and the campaign has generated huge support in the initial days itself. It is a recognition of the welfare measures and developmental initiatives of the Left government.

Going by the current response, how many seats do you believe the Left can win?

Given the current scenario, the Left should be able to retain its present numbers (93 seats), if not more.

In 2016, the BJP opened its account. This time around, there are a few key constituencies like Konni and Malampuzha, where they hope to register victories. How do you read the scenario?

I don’t think the BJP, on its own, could muster a win. Last time too, they won Nemom with the Congress’ support in return for its support to the Congress to win other seats. The MLA who benefited from this has admitted the same. The deal, he said, was done with the knowledge of the party leadership. It’s now being replicated at several places through regional understanding and adjustments, but just how it will play out is yet to be seen.

I have long reiterated that there does exist an unholy nexus in Kerala – that of the Congress, the League and the BJP – which is very evident for all to see.

For all its allegations of a tacit understanding between the Congress and BJP in Nemom, why has the Left not fielded a political heavyweight there like the Congress?