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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Defeat of Constitution Amendment Bill betrayal of nation's woman power: Adityanath
Lucknow (PTI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath termed the defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill to implement reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase the number of seats of the Lok Sabha "betrayal of the woman power" of the nation.
A Constitution Amendment Bill to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816 was defeated on Friday.
In a post on X in Hindi, late on Friday night, Adityanath said, "Today, a dark chapter has been added to the history of India's great democracy. The Opposition's obstruction of the passage of the Constitutional Amendment Bill essential for the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' is a blow to the honour of 'Bharat Mata' (Mother India). It is a betrayal of the entire woman power of the nation; it is an infringement upon their democratic rights.
"The Congress-led 'INDI' alliance has exposed its anti-women mindset. The women of the nation are watching and understanding everything. They will remember this deceit and injustice, and when the time comes, they will surely give a reply. Under the leadership of our Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, the NDA alliance will continue its unwavering efforts to protect the honour, dignity, and rights of women, and to ensure their empowerment."
While 298 members voted in support of the Bill in the Lok Sabha, 230 MPs voted against it. The Bill required 352 votes for a two-thirds majority.
According to the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, Lok Sabha seats were to be increased to 816 from the current 543 to "operationalise" the women's reservation law before the 2029 parliamentary polls, following a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census.
Seats were also to be increased in state and Union Territory assemblies to accommodate 33 per cent reservation for women.
This was for the first time that a Bill under the Modi government was defeated in Parliament.
