Amid the rough and tumble of electioneering, Kerala politician V M Sudheeran opens up with Vinod Mathew on a number of topics pertaining to both him and the day-to-day affairs of the party that often get brushed under the carpet.
Q: Is idealism a hurdle in the way of you being a pragmatic politician?
A: Idealism is a must for politicians. If politicians decide to maintain public probity, things would change in a positive manner for society. And authority and power have to be used very carefully. I have never made criticisms by compromising on my propriety or decency.
The absence of mainstream parties in dealing with people’s issues is the major reason for the emergence of undesirable elements. In Delhi the major issues that brought AAP to power was potable water and electricity. Take the case of Kinaloor, a major issue during the LDF rule, or Valanthakkad issue involving Sobha Group or the Methran kayal issue. Achuthanandnan, along with some ministers in the Cabinet, had taken a strong stance on issues. But the decisions of others were not always favourable to them. In my opinion, mainstream parties must actively participate in people’s issues.
Q: It has been six weeks since you were ‘hoisted’ on the KPCC, taking most of the entrenched players in the state by surprise. Have you been tamed by the system?
A: Though, it has been only six weeks since I took charge as the KPCC chief, I am not new to the system as I have always been part of it... I have always stood with the people’s issues and movements. It may be true that the party has not taken a similar stand on certain issues initially. But after discerning the gravity of these issues, the party has positively altered their stance. A good example is the Moolampilly issue. Initially, nobody from the mainstream parties were there.