Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) does not require the votes of any communal element in the the Nilambur bypoll.
In an election campaign for LDF candidate M.Swaraj in Nilambur on Saturday, he criticised the Indian Union Muslim League for allegedly joining hands with the Jamaat-e-Islami and asked the party to remember the stance taken by its late leader C.H. Mohammed Koya in this regard.
“There are certain sections in our society that we have alienated for long due to their communal ideologies. We exist in a democratic society. Society does not approve of those who do not respect our democracy. Jamaat-e-Islami is a group that comes under the category,” Mr. Vijayan said.
He also alleged that the Opposition parties were perplexed in Nilambur. “They are trying to win at any cost and do not mind joining hands with communal and separatist elements for the purpose,” he alleged.
The Chief Minister lashed out at former MLA P.V. Anwar. He said the LDF was unaware that it was harbouring a cheat. “Our history does not tolerate treachery or forgive it,” he said, adding that the LDF had no confusion in choosing a candidate for Nilambur and that Mr. Swaraj had been welcomed by even those who did not support the LDF.
Mr. Vijayan also criticised the Central government. He said the Centre was trying to suffocate Kerala financially. “Kerala is the only State that does not get the necessary help in the event of a natural disaster. The Centre blocked even those who came forward to support. Our borrowing limit has also been cut down,” he said.
The Chief Minister listed the State government’s contribution in various fields such as public education, health, higher education, and welfare.
He will take part in campaign rallies in all seven panchayats in the Nilmabur constituency from Saturday to Monday.
Published – June 14, 2025 09:01 pm IST
