If FDI in retail yields positive results,we can do it: Chandy

What do you think of the development model propagated by your Gujarat counterpart?

Development is the need of the hour. The country and its people should benefit from it. After nine years of UPA rule,we can see lots of changes in villages. The MGNREGA,the SSA,the NRHM,they are all a revolution.

There is a raging debate within your party on Rahul Gandhi’s Prime Ministerial candidature. As a senior party leader and Chief Minister,what’s your take on it?

Since Independence,there has not been any dispute regarding the leader of the party. The Congress has only one leader. As for prime ministership,the party will decide. In the last nine years,the UPA has given right to employment,right to education,and now right to food. The next challenge is right to health. These programmes are more important than anything else. Rahul Gandhi is capable of leading the party and the government. We can see that he is not willing to accept ministership. Youth of the country has full faith in him.

What about a third term for Manmohan Singh?

He is doing a good work. The relationship between the Congress president and the Prime Minister is commendable. They are leading the country in the right direction. As a Congressman,I am proud of their leadership.

But,you are not willing to accept his economic reforms. You did not support FDI in multi-brand retail.

As for economic reforms,I am from Kerala and all leaders from there have held a separate view in the past also. Economic reforms are necessary but they ought to have a human face. No country can prosper without financial discipline. In India,more than 40 per cent people are living below poverty line. We have to take a practical approach. We have to give supper to a poor man who has no means today. Two to three lakh families are involved in retail business in Kerala. A sudden change in this sector,we are afraid,will affect a large number of middle income groups.

What if you see positive results? Will you reconsider your decision on FDI in retail?

We are more practical. If it does not affect people who are in retail sector,we can manage and do [allow it. In a political situation,we cannot say the last word. That may always change. All this depends on practical experience and results. We have to examine results of every programme.

When you met Rahul Gandhi last time,we are told,he said the Congress in Kerala is the best model and he would like to visit the state to study the same. Could you tell us more about it?

Yes,he appreciates foundations of the party in Kerala,our functionaries and local committees. He wants to come to Kerala to have a personal overview of the state unit. We hope he will come next month.

Are you satisfied with the way the Italian marines’ case has been handled?

We are satisfied. After shooting down two fishermen,these people [Italian marines had tried to flee. As our police didn’t have the machinery to chase them,we approached the Navy and the Coast Guard. Later,we got full support from the Centre at every stage. First time,they had come back [after Christmas. Second time,when they [Italy announced that they will not return to India,I rushed to Delhi,met the Prime Minister and Soniaji. They were supportive. She spoke about it publicly.

What about the assurance that they will not be awarded death sentence?

You know the legal system. Nobody can give such an assurance.