Kerala polls: There is no question of LDF losing this election, says CPM general secretary M A Baby

CPM general secretary M A Baby says LDF is approaching voters with a balanced model of development and welfare. On the criticism over seeking SDPI support, Baby reiterates CPM's non-negotiable commitment to secular valuesQ: How do you rate the prospects of LDF in this assembly election? A: We have pitched our campaign on a positive note, seeking a fresh mandate based on the outstanding performance of the LDF govt. No other govt in India can match LDF's comprehensive record of delivery across social and economic verticals. While steadfastly supporting the weaker sections, we have simultaneously accelerated infrastructure development and attracted investments. This balanced model has earned praise even from international agencies. Eradication of extreme poverty stands as a global milestone. We are confident that the people of Kerala will recognize and reward this remarkable progress. Even while criticising Congress over Jamaat-e-Islami tie up, CPM hasn't declared that the LDF doesn't need SDPI votes. Why? LDF is firmly opposed to all forms of communalism and extremism, with no room for compromise on this principle. In contrast, our rival fronts have repeatedly made dangerous compromises that threaten the society's social fabric. LDF has consistently strengthened Kerala's social capital, making the state an oasis of hope for secular forces.On the specific issue, UDF has been seen negotiating with SDPI for support in several seats, including Manjeshwaram, yet no one has raised serious objections. Our position is crystal clear — we welcome anyone who acknowledges our uncompromising secular-democratic stand and chooses to vote for the LDF. We view such support as validation of our non-negotiable commitment to secular values.Many CPM leaders like G Sudhakaran are now contesting as UDF-backed independents. Don't you think this points fingers at the need for a retrospection in the party's way of functioning? No party is completely insulated from broader societal dynamics. It is true that a few individuals associated with us have chosen to leave but they were not holding any key organizational positions. We made sincere and sustained efforts to involve them meaningfully in party activities. However, some preferred to pursue personal ambitions by aligning with our rivals. The people of Kerala will decisively reject such opportunistic moves.Unlike last time, most of the sitting party MLAs are in the fray. What is the reason for this sudden shift? There is no sudden shift here. We have always assessed candidates based on ground realities and local feedback. As a general principle, we encourage those who have completed two terms to make way for fresh faces. At the same time, we carefully evaluate the specific needs of constituencies, the performance of sitting MLAs, and the prevailing political situation. This balanced and pragmatic approach has been followed this time as well. Recently, Rahul Gandhi said that a woman CM for Kerala is his dream. Does the CPM have a similar dream? Empowering women and ensuring their meaningful representation in politics has always been a priority for us — it is not merely a dream or a token gesture. Tokenism has never delivered real change, even a woman Prime Minister in the past did not fundamentally transform the condition of women in the country. CPM has consistently been at the forefront of advocating for greater women's representation. That said, we acknowledge that we still have more to do in this area. If LDF loses power this time, will it have any impact on the organizational structure and policies of CPM in Kerala? There is no question of LDF losing this election, so the premise of your question does not arise. Just before the 2021 assembly elections, Kerala Congress (M) joined LDF. Do you think that the entry of the Kerala Congress into the LDF fold helped the front increase its mass base considerably?We deeply value every constituent of the LDF. The entry of Kerala Congress (M) has undoubtedly strengthened our mass base. It also demonstrates that parties genuinely committed to the welfare of agricultural communities and farmers find no real space or solace within the UDF or elsewhere. Rahul Gandhi and chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan accuse LDF and UDF, respectively, of having BJP links. Don't you think that this will weaken the India bloc, of which Congress and the CPM are constituents?If you examine the chronology, it was Rahul Gandhi who launched an unwarranted tirade against our chief minister. Levelling unfounded allegations against a veteran and respected statesman like Pinarayi Vijayan was unbecoming of the leader of the opposition. As one of my senior colleagues aptly remarked, it appears that Rahul Gandhi leaves his good sense behind in Delhi whenever he comes to Kerala. UDF and LDF are promising that the welfare pension will be raised to Rs 3,000. This is one of the several similar promises by both the fronts. Won't these promises confuse the voters? Their promises have always been hollow. Ten years ago, when they were in power, they left office with 18 months of social welfare pensions in arrears. The fate of their much-publicised Wayanad fund is there for everyone to see. The people of Kerala know from bitter experience that the UDF rarely keeps its word, and this time too they view such assurances with deep suspicion. What are the chances of the BJP and NDA in this election?BJP and NDA are not a significant force in Kerala. They are making desperate attempts to gain a foothold using money, media and institutional influence. However, the people of Kerala can clearly see through their divisive ideology of hate. The strong social capital built by the Left over decades will effectively counter their efforts.