Kerala: Sustainable development model required, say VD Satheesan

Opposition leader VD Satheesan, in an interview with Viju B, revealed that UDF will be coming out with a policy vision document for Kerala and the same will be shared with policymakers and the government so that a common minimum developmental programme can be charted out on fundamental issues. Excerpts from the interview:

What is your development agenda for Kerala in the next five years?
Today, all of us are living in absolute insecurity in the midst of a pandemic and people dear to us are dying.We should realize that there is a pre- and post-Covid Kerala. The old developmental model has no value. We need to look at various socio-economic aspects arising out of the impact of Covid and recurring climate change-induced disasters.
Kerala needs to move towards a sustainable developmental model, looking at our population density and unique geographical terrain. In coming years, a large tract of our land (high ranges, coastal belt) will become vulnerable to natural calamities due to the impact of climate change. It will be a challenge for policymakers to greenlight infra projects and careful thought is required before that. Kerala witnessed three disasters in three years, floods and landslides included.
We need to strike a balance between sustainable development and environment. There is no space for conventional kind of opposition for the sake of opposing something. We need to have a consensus and continuity in developmental activities. Higher education and health require serious upgradation. The Kerala-model of development is a thing of the past that Left still holds on to, while we are behind in many areas. We don’t have institutions as centres for excellence and our children leave Kerala after Class X for better opportunities.
You have said on record that BJP is the biggest foe. Is this because there’s a feeling that Cong has been alienating Muslims and Christians and CPM is seen as a party that is taking on BJP?
There is going to be a major shift in the party’s approach to many issues. We will support LDF if they are on the right path but will take up strong positions in case their side is wrong. I felt that Kerala’s consciousness was tilted towards the Left, which used to believe in universal empathy towards fellow humans. The problem is today’s LDF is tilted more towards the Right, in a sort of fascist manner. So there is a huge space for Congress to uphold its time-tested secular values and pluralism. Minorities felt LDF would take a strong stand against BJP and it resulted in a shift; this won’t be permanent.
You talked to people from all walks of life last year. What did you learn from the exercise?
I interacted with specialists and could understand core issues related to economy, health, environment, social justice, hospitality and entertainment industry. We are now planning a Congress school to create awareness. I’m confident that we have excellent youth leaders who can take the party forward. My approach would be to forge a bridge between youth and experienced hands in the party.