THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said the assembly election result has been completely unexpected for the Left Democratic Front (LDF).
Pinarayi reacted for the first time after the results were declared on May 4. In a statement, he said the LDF respectfully accepts the mandate of the people. While congratulating the UDF on their victory, the former chief minister also thanked the people who supported the LDF despite a hostile campaign unleashed from different quarters.
“Even though we could not secure the expected victory for the third time in a row, it is a matter of great confidence for us that a large section of the people has stood firm with the LDF. For the LDF, this mandate is not an end, but a new beginning for continuous political work. We are committed to regaining the trust of the people in a better way and moving forward more strongly,” he said.
Pinarayi said there is no doubt that the development works and people’s welfare schemes implemented by the LDF over the last 10 years had resulted in great changes in the society. “We will create awareness among the people and build a strong public opinion to ensure these development programmes are taken forward and not abandoned midway.
“The visions put forward by the LDF for building a new Kerala — knowledge economy, youth employment, social justice, public health and education — will be ensured through a strong opposition stance. The policies we have put forward in areas including extreme poverty eradication, women empowerment and social security are what the people need. We will apply pressure on the new government in a democratic manner to ensure the uninterrupted implementation of these programmes,” he said.
Pinarayi said the LDF will support any good measure that improves the living standards of the people. At the same time, the opposition will strongly react against anti-people decisions. “The aim of the LDF is to act as a responsible opposition,” he said.
The former chief minister said that protecting the secularism and pluralism of Kerala is the basic stance of the LDF. Some indications in this election are worrying for those who want to protect secularism. “The BJP winning three seats is a serious development and we will continue our fight against divisive politics without compromising with any communalism, he said.
The LDF has decided to thoroughly examine the election results and listen to the opinions of all comrades. The intention is a democratic and open evaluation. The concerns, opinions and criticisms raised by the general public and party comrades will be examined seriously. Decisions will be taken after listening to everyone’s opinions.
“Tens of thousands of workers took up these election activities day and night for the LDF. I salute them all,” he said.
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