KOLLAM: M A Baby is confident that the LDF will score a century this time. In a chat with the TNIE, the CPM national general secretary lashes out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his “political short-sightedness”, clarifies his remark on Sonia Gandhi, and explains the LDF stand on SDPI votes.
How do you assess the Left’s prospects?
There is a growing sentiment among voters that the LDF should be given one more term. Left MLAs enjoy strong support among the masses. We are hopeful of a third term.
How will the BJP’s rise affect the Left’s prospects?
It will not affect the LDF’s prospects. The BJP is not just another political party, but I do not think they will spring any surprises this time. The Congress, meanwhile, has been speaking the BJP’s language in Kerala. Their leaders’ attacks on the Left resemble those of the BJP. This could even affect the INDIA alliance.
Do you think the BJP is growing into Congress space?
Across the country, the Congress has acted as a feeder organisation for the BJP.
But the BJP also made gains in Left strongholds…
That happened because they got Congress votes.
Just before elections, some Left leaders joined the BJP…
A few CPM workers may have been lured. These are isolated incidents.
Congress alleges a hidden CPM-BJP deal…
In several local bodies, there is open cooperation between the UDF and BJP. Such allegations are propaganda to create confusion.
Rahul Gandhi has been repeatedly making such allegations…
The UDF expected to return to power after five years. Their desperation is evident. The state has never seen such a pathetic opposition in its political history.
The UDF and BJP have targeted the LDF over the Sabarimala gold theft row…
We have nothing to fear. These are attempts to mislead voters.
But no action was taken against CPM leaders involved…
Action will follow due process. Once the chargesheet is filed, there will be more clarity.
Your statement that Sonia Gandhi had no role in the scam triggered a discussion…
It’s not a matter that can be simply ignored, but still I chose not to cast a shadow of suspicion over Sonia Gandhi. She need not explain how he [the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potty] was able to reach her, but Congress MPs and Adoor Prakash should.
Will minority consolidation help the UDF?
Rahul’s statements reveal political short-sightedness. Look at what he recently said: ‘RSS stands for Hindu Rashtra and we stand for Hindu Rajya.’ And instead of confronting the RSS-BJP nationally, he had contested against the CPI in Kerala (Wayanad). Hence, minorities will not see Congress as ideologically stable and strong to fight communalism.
Is the CPM expecting SDPI support?
We have no political understanding with SDPI. But, when they take a position to vote for LDF to defeat an RSS candidate in Nemom, should we stop them from doing so?
How many seats will the LDF win?
The LDF is in a position to score a century.
If the LDF wins, will Pinarayi be the CM?
That decision will be taken after the results.