Left confident of saving its government in Kerala

Ravi S Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 17

Although the Left parties are confident of CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala sailing through a no-confidence motion against it in the backdrop of gold scam, there are concerns among them on their image taking a hit.

The Left parties are also firm that Pinarayi Vijayan will complete his present full tenure as Chief Minister.

The Congress, principal Opposition in Kerala Assembly, has sent notice to the Speaker for moving the proposed no-trust motion.

“The BJP and the Congress have joined hands to malign the Left just as they tried through Sabarimala temple issue. The Left Front government is stable, and it will not allow them to succeed,” CPI national secretary Atul Anjan said on Friday.

A section in the CPI(M) close to former Chief Minister of Kerala and party stalwart  VS Achuthanandan and the CPI are unhappy with the way Vijayan handled the alleged scam, notwithstanding the brave front and sangfroid countenance put up by Left leaders in public in the face of gold scam explosion.

With the names of ex-Principal Secretary of the Chief Minister and state’s officials surfacing in the scam, the miffed sections feel that Vijayan should have acted with demonstrable credibility.

The name of Education Minister of the state getting embroiled in the scam has apparently dismayed the Left camp.

There is a growing feeling in Left circles that Vijayan allowed the grass to grow under his feet by allowing unbridled power to his ex-Principal Secretary in the Chief Minister Office.

“There should be a proper investigation and the entire spectrum of the scam should be laid bare before the public without delay,” said a Left leader, unhappy at the developments.

The procrastination would only harm the Left, and allow it less time for damage control and salvage its image.

The Left parties have in mind the next Assembly election in Kerala, due mid next year. The role of the office of Vijayan, who is the Left mascot, has come in question.

Kerala is a bastion of the Left – other than West Bengal and Tripura where they have been ousted from power. The southern state continues to be the best bet for Left with regard to forming the government again.

The Kerala development could not have come at a worse time for the Left. Assembly elections in Bihar are due this October-November. It will be followed by elections in West-Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Assam in May next year.

Also, it had planned to up the ante against the Narendra Modi government on a panoply of issues, including economy, foreign relations, and farmers and labour.

The unfolding of Kerala development surrounding the gold scam will henceforth compel them to include a defensive shield in their armour in the political battle front.