Leading a government saddled with a wafer-thin majority in the Assembly could be a Herculean task. With an innings of one year behind him in his second stint as chief minister, Oommen Chandy remains unfazed. Determined to prove himself as a CM who has re-charted the course of the state on the welfare and development front, Chandy is also equally candid to say that he will not cling to the post.
‘’I want the state to acquire a new strength and synergy in its forward march in tune with the times. I’m keen to remain as Chief Minister only if I can perform,’’ Oommen Chandy said. ‘’I’ll step down the moment I feel I am not up to the mark,’’ Chandy said in a free-wheeling interview with Express on the eve of completion of the current UDF government’s first anniversary.
Excerpts from the interview
Q: Notwithstanding the positive direction which many initiatives of the government have taken, which are the areas which proved to be impediments?
A: Land acquisition has proved to be one of the major areas impeding development. Land availability in a state like ours is a big issue. Though a fast track facility has been put in place for expediting acquisition, it has met with only partial success. In the case of development of National Highways in the state, we are totally disappointed.
Q: The situation seems to be unchanged even after the proposal for issuing infrastructure bonds which would ensure share of future appreciation of land value for those surrendering it?
A: We are trying our level best to change the mindset of the people. The liberalised package for those parting with their land would take some time to catch up.
Q: There is a general feeling that a few ministers are yet to pick up the threads of governance and are not concentrating on their portfolios?
A: It is not true. Perhaps it is due to an impression that I’m the final word in all matters. I’m constantly monitoring and if anyone is found to be low in the graph, it is because their portfolios are not much demanding. Not even a single instance of deliberations in the cabinet has been leaked till date.
Q: All are looking towards the steps being taken by the government in view of recent disclosures of listed killings in the past and present at the instance of CPM ?
A: Take it from me that things are not going to be the same again. The days of booking the accused on the basis of a list provided by a political party are over. People will not allow us to govern if there is any collusion at any level and if we remain mute spectators, going by the shocking nature of the revelations.
Q: Many in the Congress and UDF are of the view that you are succumbing too much to certain casteist and religious forces?
A: The criticism is not true. Congress is an organisation which imbibes opinion from all corners. I’m getting more than what I deserve from my cabinet colleagues and the KPCC. I’m a person who always looks at things from the other man’s point of view. To me, more than the tenure of a post, good performance is much more important, even if it is for a short term. I’ll have no hesitation to step down from the CM’s post if I feel that I cannot deliver.
Q: Will the state be able to realise the much trumpeted projects like Smart City, Kochi Metro and Vizhinjam port within the stipulated timeframe?
A: The major drawback with the state is the general negative mindset, which we are trying to change. The attitude of the media is not at all positive. We have no dearth of funds now. There are no labour problems in the state. Investors from outside the state are keen to invest. We need to have only viable projects.
Q: Many of the welfare schemes of the State Government are claimed to be a trend-setters. Is it going to stay?
A: Development and care is the motto of my government. The second year of the government will focus on providing comprehensive health care to all. The best medicare facilities in the world is available in the state now. But it remains out of the reach for a vast majority of the population. This has to change.
Q: What more would you like to have while staying as CM?
A: I’m a God-fearing person. If I do something good, I’ll reap good dividends. If I go wrong, definitely I will get punishment.