Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan dismissed claims of receiving electoral backing from the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) as unfounded and politically driven. He clarified that there has been no solicitation of support from the SDPI and no formal agreement with the group. Vijayan, addressing the media, reaffirmed that the situation in Nemom remains unaltered, rejecting comparisons to the 2021 Assembly elections.
Reiterating the Left Democratic Front’s firm anti-communal position, CM Vijayan emphasized the coalition’s unwavering ideological stance. Responding to criticism over his media interaction in Kollam, Vijayan explained that time constraints during the election period necessitated shorter engagements, despite his usual practice of speaking for 30 to 40 minutes. He emphasized that it is the journalists’ prerogative to ask questions.
Vijayan defended his conduct during the Kollam incident, stating that he adhered to his standard approach and only left after the allocated time had passed. He returned to address the situation when disruptions occurred, attributing the commotion to individuals with disruptive intentions. Highlighting the Vizhinjam Port project as a significant milestone in Kerala’s development narrative, the Chief Minister outlined its potential in the transshipment sector, with all four phases set for completion by 2028.
In response to Rahul Gandhi’s parody song at an election rally, Vijayan cryptically referenced the reported meeting between the prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti and Sonia Gandhi in Delhi. He refrained from elaborating further on the matter. Vijayan, actively engaging in media interactions as part of his election campaign across Kerala, is preparing for the upcoming polls on April 9, with results scheduled for announcement on May 4.
