Kerala Polls: Tharoor says any CPI(M)-BJP deal won’t work, Congress has people’s support
Alappuzha (Kerala) (PTI): Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Friday said any alleged deal between the CPI(M) and the BJP would not work in the elections, asserting that the Congress has a “deal with the people”.
Speaking to reporters during an election campaign in Kayamkulam, Tharoor said if any such understanding exists, it could only be between the CPI(M) and the BJP.
“The Left’s aim is to continue in power. The BJP’s aim is to eliminate the Congress. So if there is any deal, it will be between the Left and the BJP,” he said.
He alleged that the Left believes it can benefit if anti-incumbency votes are split.
“They know that if the BJP eats into Congress votes, it will benefit them. That is the deal,” he said.
Tharoor said the Congress, on the other hand, has the deal with the people.
“We are asking people to stand with us. If we win, you will lead the state. A new government will address Kerala’s issues,” he said.
He added that voters are aware of whom to support.
“Whatever deal may happen, people know that voting for the BJP is a waste. The BJP has no seats here. Even if they win two or three seats, can they form a government?” he asked.
He said the electoral contest in Kerala is essentially between the UDF and the LDF.
“A majority of people want to remove the LDF government, and for that they have to vote for the UDF,” he said.
Tharoor also criticised the state government, alleging that despite extensive public relations exercises, it has failed to address people’s concerns.
He referred to the expenditure of Rs 11.5 lakh from the public exchequer for an interview of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan by actor Mohanlal, and said such efforts have not helped address public issues.
He said inflation and the reported loss of gold from Sabarimala remain major concerns among the public.
He questioned how the LDF could seek another term despite what he termed "poor performance and corruption" over the past 10 years.
Praising Congress candidate M Liju, who is contesting from Kayamkulam, Tharoor said an efficient leader like him should be elected to the Assembly.
He said the Congress manifesto would be released soon and that the party has a clear development vision for the state.
“Young people should assess whether they have employment opportunities here. Has this government been able to attract investments? We have ideas for development and need young leaders like Liju in the Assembly,” he said.
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Punjab CM Mann meets President Murmu, seeks cancellation of membership of 6 RS members
Chandigarh (PTI): Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday met President Droupadi Murmu, demanding the termination of the membership of six Rajya Sabha MPs from Punjab who defected to the BJP and also pressed for the introduction of a constitutional provision allowing for the recall of members.
Accompanied by party MLAs and ministers, Mann visited Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi.
This meeting followed a significant setback for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on April 24, when seven of its 10 Rajya Sabha MPs -- Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Rajendra Gupta, Vikramjit Sahney and Swati Maliwal -- quit and merged with the BJP, alleging that the party had strayed from its principles, values and core morals. Six of the seven MPs who left AAP hailed from Punjab.
After he met with the President, Mann addressed the media here, describing the departure of the seven MPs as a "murder" of the Constitution. He stated, "Seven MPs merging with another party is completely unconstitutional. I spoke to Rashtrapati ji in detail."
Mann pointed out that he told the President that the BJP holds only two MLA seats (in Punjab), yet now has six MPs in the Rajya Sabha. He questioned, "How can this be possible? Isn't it a mockery of the Constitution?
"If they are such revolutionaries at heart, then they should have resigned from their six seats. The AAP could have sent someone else," Mann said, taking a swipe at them.
He emphasised the need for a recall provision in the Constitution, referencing MP Raghav Chadha's previous demands for such a measure when members fail to meet public expectations.
"Have you lived up to the expectations of the people?" Mann challenged the MPs during his statement.
Mann also presented a letter to the President, signed by all AAP MLAs. He differentiated between the terms 'elected' and 'selected,' stating, "They were 'selected.' Therefore, their membership should be cancelled."
The President assured Mann that she would consult constitutional experts before responding.
Earlier in the day, Mann, along with party MLAs, departed for Delhi from Chandigarh.
Speaking to reporters in Chandigarh, Mann affirmed that all AAP MLAs stand united with the party. "Only I have been given time for the meeting," Mann said.
"The President is the guardian of the Constitution. She is the constitutional head of the country," he added.
Later in a post on X in Hindi, Mann said, "Our struggle to protect Punjab's rights and interests continues. Today, along with all AAP MLAs, I have left to discuss Punjab's burning issues and present the state's strong voice before the President.
As your public servant, our government remains fully committed to Punjab's prosperity and the safeguarding of the rights of every section of society."
The MLAs and ministers gathered at the chief minister's residence in the morning before heading to Delhi, carrying placards that read 'Punjab Mann De Naal' and 'Punjab's Traitors.'
The legislators left for Delhi in buses.
Mann had previously sought an appointment with the President to meet with party MLAs and demand the "recall" of the Rajya Sabha MPs who defected to the BJP. However, only Mann was given a time slot for the meeting.
