Congress leader A.K. Antony has played down Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s offer to “convert Kerala into Gujarat”, saying that he should let Keralites live in peace.
“Allow us to live in peace and amity and have the food of our choice. Let the religious amity that has been here for centuries prevail. Please do not try to fool the people of the State by making false promises,” Mr. Antony said.
On Modi’s recent campaign speeches in the State, the Congress Working Committee member said the Prime Minister had failed to motivate him.
“Though it was hoped that the Prime Minister would offer some solatium to the State, he disappointed all. Mr. Modi failed to touch upon the key issues facing the State including the fall in prices of agricultural produce such as rubber. The Centre failed to respond to the demand for permission to construct houses for fishermen along the coast,” he said.
UDF has an edge
The Congress leader said though the UDF and the BJP were the key contestants in some constituencies where the LDF’s presence was insignificant, the contest for wresting power was between the LDF and the UDF. The Opposition misinterpreted Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s statement in this regard, he added.
“The BJP’s victory will destroy the communal peace and amity of the State, and those aiding the party will pay a heavy price for it. The secular forces should join hands against the BJP,” the senior Congress leader said.
Mr. Antony felt that the UDF had gained an edge over its political rivals though it was a tad late to arrive in the electoral scene.
The BJP’s victory will destroy the communal peace and amity of the State, and those aiding the party will pay a heavy price for it.
A.K.Antony,
CWC member
