The Left Democratic Front-backed Independent candidate from Ernakulam Parliament constituency Christy Fernandez has criticised the Gujarat model development, calling it “crony capitalism.”
Mr. Fernandez, who had served as a civil servant in the Gujarat cadre, was responding to a query at Nilapadu 2004, a meet-the-press programme organised by the Ernakulam Press Club, here on Monday.
He said the Gujarat model development was of no use to the public as it benefitted only a few. Mr. Fernandez had received considerable flak during the initial days of his candidature after he allegedly praised the administrative skills of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
He said those who criticised him for not opposing Mr. Modi during the days of Gujarat riots were unaware of the facts. “Gujarat riots happened in 2002 while I was in Kochi between 1997 and 2003 December on Central deputation as Coir Board chairman,” he said.
Asked about the perceived opposition to his candidature from within CPI(M), Mr. Fernandez said he wasn’t aware of any such heartburn within the party and had all along experienced whole-hearted support of party leaders and workers.
On the absence of senior party leaders for his campaign, he said the campaign was about to gather momentum only from Tuesday and he had been informed by party office bearers that senior leaders would be campaigning for him.
At the meet, Mr Fernandez focussed on local issues. He said many educated youngsters in the constituency were working at sub-optimum level for want of technical skills and training. He had identified vocational training as one of his focus areas. “Development means only one thing — giving opportunities and sustainable livelihood to the common man.”
