CPM–SDPI deal executed directly by CM, says Chennithala, CM terms it a lie

MALAPPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has rejected allegations of a CPM–SDPI deal in the assembly elections. Speaking at the press meet in Tirur, he said the allegation is a lie and claimed that the UDF is raising it for political gains. He added that the LDF’s continued rule was not achieved through gimmicks and let the people judge his behaviour. He also highlighted the government’s development achievements.

He said that after coming back to power, Kerala had made progress in all sectors. The projects announced by the government were completed on time. Major achievements include reforms in public education, growth in the healthcare sector, and expansion of social security schemes. He added that the government has created a favorable environment for youth and development, and has extended strong support to expatriates, while accusing the UDF of taking an anti-NRI stance. He also noted that the Left government was the first in the country to include expatriates in a welfare pension scheme.

Meantime, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala alleged that there was an understanding between the CPM and the SDPI during the elections. Speaking at a press conference in Kochi, he claimed the deal was an open secret and that the chief minister had directly intervened in it. He further alleged that in several places, SDPI candidates are CPM’s candidates, and said that if the UDF comes to power, it would review the policies of the LDF government.