Cong helped BJP to open account in Kerala assembly: CM Pinarayi Vijayan

Kottayam: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan dismissed UDF's allegations of a ‘deal' with BJP in Palakkad and claimed that Congress and UDF helped the saffron party open its account in Nemom in 2016. Addressing the media in Thiruvalla on Monday, he again claimed that Congress and Rahul Gandhi are BJP's B-team and that Congress had no qualms about engaging in any wrongdoing. He alleged that when BJP govt arrested AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, Congress applauded the move and celebrated the news with fireworks."Everyone knows that Co-Le-B (Congress-League-BJP) alliance was formed to bring BJP into the assembly ages ago. When that didn't work out, Congress helped BJP open its account in legislative assembly from Nemom. No one believed it then when we pointed it out. Later, V Sivankutty won there and closed BJP's lone seat," he said.On Sabarimala gold heist case, the govt took a clear stance. The initial complaint arose after Unnikrishnan Potty's revelation. The dwarapalaka pedestal was found at his sister's home. This shows that there was malicious intent behind his words. When other issues arose, Travancore Devaswom Board and govt took a clear stance. Numerous complaints emerged during investigation and HC gave clarity. Former TDB chief Padmakumar got bail due to the delay in filing the chargesheet. CPM too kept him away from all responsibilities as part of its procedures, said Vijayan.Regarding the remark by former Metropolitan of Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church's Niranam Diocese Geevarghese Mar Coorilos about a change in governance in Kerala, the CM said that he believes Coorilos would not say such a thing. "He speaks with understanding. The people of Kerala want popular policies to continue and so we expect a more resounding victory in elections," he said, adding that right-wing parties are trying to mislead the public by spreading falsehoods and fostering communalism.LDF fully implemented the manifestos it put forward during the past two elections. LDF govt implemented welfare measures, including welfare pensions and initiatives to cover medical expenses. Govt intervention reduced people's medical expenses by 60%. Govt hospitals carried out 10 liver transplant surgeries. District hospitals now have cath labs. We revived health sector that was on ventilator support, he said, adding that the next goal is to further elevate Kerala's progress.