Happiest at CPI-M's new development agenda, says Chandy

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 10  Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy on Sunday expressed happiness at the CPI-M's ongoing two-day 4th edition of International Congress on Kerala Studies here endorsing development plank of the state.

Talking to IANS, Chandy said he was pleased to read the reports that the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) has decided to take the agenda of development on the speedy track. "I am now the happiest person." 

"This is the biggest appreciation for my government because it has now dawned on the CPI-M that they cannot stay away from the process of development and have practically spoke of the same agenda that our government is doing," said Chandy.

In his inaugural speech at the 4th edition of the International Congress on Kerala Studies on Saturday, chief organiser of the event and CPI-M politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan spoke of going forward at a high speed on the road that connects the two ends of the state.

Stating that Kerala's development on all fronts, be it in Information Technology (IT), infrastructure or agriculture, has to be speeded up, Vijayan also spoke on the requirement of foreign direct investment.

"I am delighted to hear the CPI-M speak like this and now they have realised that it was a big mistake that they have been doing, opposing everything that our government did in taking our state forward through various projects," said Chandy.

"Don't you recall, Vijayan speaking of a Rs.6,000-crore corruption in the Vizhinjam Port project that we took forward and work on which has already begun? And he has also said that they will not stop the project, if they come to power," Chandy said.

"They are forced to take this new position as our development agenda has been accepted by the people of the state and anything otherwise would see a backlash for them at the upcoming assembly polls," said Chandy.

He said the problem with the CPI-M is that they always wake up to shut the stable door after the horse has bolted.

"Just look back, in the '70s they chased away tractors from the paddy fields and now they speak of modernisation of agriculture. When computers started to make their presence in state government offices in the early '90s, they damaged these and now they speak of speedy IT development," Chandy said. 

"It's sad that each and every thing, be it any sector, the first banner of revolt comes from the CPI-M. It has come to a stage that, if they do it it's fine, but if someone else does it, they oppose it. But nevertheless, I am a very happy person today," he added.