After serving as Governor of Mizoram and Goa, and after your term ends, do you plan to return to active or electoral politics soon?
I have not retired from politics and remain very active. Despite pressure from the party and others to contest the election from Chengannur Assembly constituency, I have decided not to enter electoral politics this time. I believe it is not a good precedent for governors to assume office immediately after being dismissed from office. Although I have a strong chance of winning in Chengannur – I polled 42,600 votes in 2016 and enjoys broad community support – I have decided not to contest. The absence of a pension for governors also means I prefer to remain independent rather than rely on a party.
Ahead of the 2021 assembly elections, when you were the governor of Mizoram, there were reports that you explored a candidature from Chengannur. What actually happened?
There was no such proposal at the time and I was not even willing. I have never sought any post or position. The party was kind enough to give me everything.
The Congress claims that the CPI(M)-BJP has a secret understanding of the upcoming polls, while the CPI(M) calls the Congress a “feeder organisation” for the BJP in Kerala. how do you answer
Both are making allegations of some collusion involving BJP/NDA/RSS. The Chief Minister denies any understanding and claims that the CPI(M) has always considered the RSS untouchable, but that is a Himalayan lie when viewed against past political realities. Can he deny the fact that members of the RSS and BJP (then part of the Janata Party) worked for him in the 1977 elections? RSS pracharak KG Marar contested from Uduma in 1977 and his election commission convener was the CPI(M) area secretary. The UDF has also recorded cases of electoral collaboration with figures associated with the RSS/BJP. O. Rajagopal, another RSS pracharak who contested from Kasaragod in 1980, was supported by the UDF and IUML leader Cherkalam Abdullah was the convener of its election committee. What we are witnessing now is a clear shift in strategy by both the LDF and the UDF. They have largely shelved their accusations against each other and are instead focusing their attacks on the BJP, reflecting their concern over its growing influence.
How do you rate the BJP-led NDA’s prospects in the April 9 polls?
The NDA-led BJP in Kerala is well-positioned for a strong performance, with the front emerging as a formidable force. People prefer Narendra Modi and increasingly see the BJP as a viable and winnable option in the state. This shift was evident in last year’s three-stage local opinion polls. With the right strategy, we hope to see a significant change in the upcoming elections.
S. Sreedharan Pillai during an interview with ‘The Hindu’ | Video credit: Sam Paul A.
