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This is an archive article published on May 24, 2019

Interview: Congress MLA Ramesh Chennithala

Senior Congress leader and Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala speaks to Shaju Philip on how they managed the victory of the party in Kerala.

lok sabha elections, lok sabha election results, rahul gandhi, congress, wayanad Congress MLA Ramesh Chennithala

What made this huge win possible?

Rahul Gandhi’s presence in Wayanad energized the Congress workers across Kerala. Besides, people of Kerala are against Modi at the Centre, which has done little for the state.

Did community consolidation favour Congress?

Certainly, both minority and majority Hindu communities stood with UDF.

Why Hindus did not prefer BJP which fought for Sabarimala issue?

They (BJP) took the issue to the streets. But, we adopted a very moderate stand, which went well with the Hindu-faithful.

How would this result reflect upon the state?

This is a victory against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He should quit as Chief Minister.

How do you see Modi win at the national level?

This win calls for unity of secular parties. If all secular and democratic parties stand together, Modi could be defeated.

Shaju Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, where he leads the publication's coverage from Kerala. With over 25 years of experience in mainstream journalism, he is one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political, religious, and developmental landscape of South India. Expertise, Experience, and Authority Decades of Regional Specialization: Shaju has spent more than two decades documenting the "Kerala Model" of development, its complex communal dynamics, and its high-stakes political environment. Key Coverage Beats: His extensive reporting portfolio includes: Political & Governance Analysis: In-depth tracking of the LDF and UDF coalitions, the growth of the BJP in the state, and the intricate workings of the Kerala administration. Crime & Investigative Journalism: Noted for his coverage of high-profile cases such as the gold smuggling probe, political killings, and the state’s counter-terrorism efforts regarding radicalization modules. Crisis Management: He has led ground-level reporting during major regional crises, including the devastating 2018 floods, the Nipah virus outbreaks, and the Covid-19 pandemic response. ... Read More

 

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