Kerala government won’t change stand because of controversies: CM Pinarayi Vijayan

TNN | Apr 27, 2020, 11:02 IST

File photo of Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has categorically stated that none of the ‘right decisions’ taken by the state government will be withdrawn in the wake of ‘unnecessary controversies’. “On several occasions, these controversies are being raised with the encouragement from media. The government will not succumb to such controversies or change its stand,” the CM said while taking part in his weekly television programme ‘Naam Munnottu’.
Speaking elaborately on Kerala’s possibilities in the post-Covid pandemic scenario, Vijayan appealed not to miss the opportunities by raising allegations and creating controversies. “The government will not abandon any project based on imaginary accusations being levelled by detractors. They should not forget that people have the ability to choose between right and wrong,” he said.
Terming such controversies as a curse upon the state, the CM said he was still optimistic about people’s ‘discretionary abilities’, which have helped the state to overcome the hurdles and achieve progress over the decades.
Criticising the central government for not extending a due support to the states to tide over Covid-19 pandemic impact, the CM said the Centre should be initiating measures to strengthen the states at this stage. Though late in offering solutions, the Centre should now be taking rectifying measures, he pointed out.
Asserting that the global impact of Covid-19 pandemic will severely affect the state, Vijayan said the situation will lead to an exodus of Keralites working abroad which would necessitate a comprehensive rehabilitation package. “The state should get the required aid from the Centre to implement such a package. Along with that, the state needs to protect the institutions and industrial establishments here,” he said adding that the government has already initiated deliberations with prominent industrialists and organisations which would continue in the coming days.
“The government will never abandon or take any adverse approach towards industrialists at this crucial juncture,” he said.
The CM, in his weekly TV programme, also stressed the need to make use of the experience, knowledge and expertise of returnees during the post-Covid period. Though revival of tourism is vital for the state’s comeback, more focus should be on utilization of the available expertise, and the state should be able to project itself as a safer place for global entrepreneurs who wish to shift their businesses or make new investments, he said.
“But, to facilitate such a shift which can change the face of Kerala, we need to put an end to unnecessary disagreements and controversies, which will discourage investors. These controversies will prevent us from tapping our potential in the right way,” he added.