Thiruvananthapuram: The CPM state secretariat on Friday decided to turn the crisis into an opportunity by utilising KIIFB controversy for triggering a debate on state’s infrastructure development ahead of local body polls. The CPM leaders, who discussed the reactions to the revelation by finance minister Thomas Isaac last week that CAG had been targeting KIIFB with political motives, concluded that the debates were in fact good for the LDF as all fronts are now discussing KIIFB and the projects funded by the agency.
According to sources, the CPM can smartly intervene in these debates and bring Kerala’s development needs to the forefront. Major works funded by KIIFB like upgrading infrastructure of government schools and hospitals and constructing roads could be brought up as campaign topics using the CAG report on KIIFB. The CPM leaders are of the view that practical applications of KIIFB would relate more to voters than the technical aspects pointed out by KIIFB and opposition parties.
“Narrow political interests have prompted the opposition to take a stand that there is no issue even if the state goes back to darkness. UDF and BJP share anti-development stand. We need to expose the anti-development stand. LDF will discuss this and devise strategies,” said CPM state secretary in charge A Vijayaraghavan. The CPM secretariat would propose mass protest challenging the politically motivated actions of central agencies in the upcoming LDF state committee meeting.
Vijayaraghavan said CPM was confident that people of Kerala would realise the political games played by central agencies which are trying to cook up evidence against the chief minister and LDF government. When asked about the credibility of the statement by an accused in the gold smuggling case, Vijayaraghavan said Mullappally and Chennithala had no doubts when earlier statements of the accused woman (Swapna) were circulated. “The credibility of the new statement is same as her previous statements,” he said referring to the leaked audio clip of Swapna Suresh in which she is heard speaking about ED’s suggestion to testify against CM Pinarayi Vijayan.