Saji Cherian: Win reflects might of secular forces

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dismissing allegations of communal polarisation in favour of LDF candidate in the Chengannur byelection, Saji Cherian, the newly-elected people’s representative of the assembly segment, here on Monday said his resounding victory reflected the increasing might of secular forces in the state.
“My victory is a big blow to the communal overtures of the UDF and the BJP in the Chengannur byelection. I got votes from all sections of people. I received more votes even from places dominated by majority communities. The result shows that people in Kerala are not willing to act as pawns in the hands of communal forces,” Cherian told reporters at a meet-the-press programme.

Cherian said he had been confident about the victory throughout the campaign and the surprise expressed by a large slice of media over his thumping victory was owing to their failure to understand the writing on the wall.

“You should try to understand the reasons for your failure in properly assessing the mood of the election and the mind of the voters. People know the amount of development work the LDF government has been doing under the able leadership of Pinarayi Vijayan. They were able to sift through false campaigns and propaganda,” Cherian said.

Cherian said he has identified six core areas for the comprehensive and holistic development of Chengannur. “This would need Rs 2,000 crore. Former MLA K K Ramachandran had already started projects worth Rs 750 crore,” he said.

Cherian also sought to trash the belief that Chengannur was aUDF turf.

“The UDF had been winning the seat by making a tacit understanding with the BJP,” he added.

Defending his meetings with church heads and communal organisations during the run up to the election, Cherian said: “What is wrong in calling on them? Religion and caste are realities in our society. We visit them to understand the problems of the people they represent. There is nothing wrong in it. But communalism is something different, which we need to fight. Chengannur result is a beginning towards this direction,” he added.