Pat for government policies, says Pinarayi

The Chengannur byelection result has proved that all sections of the people have overwhelmingly supported and declared solidarity with the policies and schemes of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said.

Reacting to the result, Mr. Vijayan told reporters here on Thursday that the bypoll outcome was a reflection of the thinking of the people of Kerala. The LDF got an unprecedented support from all sections beyond caste, religion and political considerations. A prominent section that had not supported the LDF in the previous election has now aligned with the front. A new culture to support development and welfare beyond other considerations was evolving. It has been proved that caste, religion or any other considerations would not be an impediment in supporting development, welfare and secularism, he said.

The increase in margin indicates the strength and expansion of the LDF political base. The controversies that erupted of late have not had any impact. The government would not chase them.

Asked about the Kerala Congress (M) stance on the election, Mr.Vijayan said that the party had left theUnited Democratic Front (UDF), but never clarified its stance explicitly. It was conducting itself like the UDF in the Assembly. Regarding CPI State secretary Kanam Rajenedran’s observations on the KC(M), Mr. Vijayan said that it felt as if he was defending someone.

The result has added to the responsibility of the government and it would serve them with more humility, he said.