Thiruvananthapuram, March 21: Ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections scheduled for April 9, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly defended his government’s ten-year tenure. He emphasized the expansion of infrastructure, revitalization of the social sector, and long-term planning as the foundation for the Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) potential third consecutive victory.
In an exclusive interview reflecting on his government’s journey since 2016, Vijayan stated that the LDF took power during a time of “general discontent,” but quickly prioritized infrastructure as a key driver of development. He accused the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) of colluding with communal forces and criticized those who have left the Left party, asserting they would not find acceptance among the public.
Vijayan remarked, “In many instances, the UDF stands with communal forces. They have allied with the BJP in some local body elections, which was evident throughout the state. They are aligning with communal groups for a few votes and seats. We, the LDF, are not prepared for such actions.”
On the controversial Sabarimala issue, the Chief Minister noted that it did not significantly impact local body elections, including in Pandalam, where results were positive, and the government has attempted to meet the people’s expectations. He highlighted the recent changes in national highways, inaugurated by the Prime Minister, as clear indicators of the state’s developmental direction.
Vijayan pointed out that key sectors like health, previously disorganized, have seen systematic improvements. He also claimed significant changes in the education sector, mentioning that government schools, which were on the brink of closure with nearly five lakh students dropping out, have been revived through an investment of ₹5,000 crore, the establishment of 50,000 smart classrooms, advanced laboratories, and improved teacher training.
He emphasized that the recognition from the NITI Aayog validates these efforts. Regarding infrastructure financing, Vijayan highlighted the revival of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board, with investments increasing from an initial ₹50,000 crore in 2016 to over ₹1.10 lakh crore now.
Major projects include the Hill Highway and Coastal Highway, with a total cost of ₹10,000 crore, and a bridge construction program that has exceeded its initial target of 100 structures, reaching over 200.
Looking ahead, Vijayan mentioned “Vision 2031,” a plan developed with expert consultation that sets regional development goals for the next five years. He noted that Kerala’s management during the COVID-19 pandemic received global praise for effectively controlling the situation and highlighted the state’s low infant mortality rate compared to global standards.
He also prioritized higher education and research, noting that 18 of the country’s top 100 colleges are in Kerala. The government is now working on establishing 13 centers of excellence and expanding skill development programs to prepare youth for global competition and attract multinational investments.
Politically, Vijayan dismissed the prospects of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating that the state would “not open its doors” to them and predicted they would not win a single seat. He concluded that the vision of a “new Kerala” by 2031 is not merely a dream but an achievable goal based on a decade of governance.