Young firebrand CPI(M) leader Jaick C. Thomas is the LDF candidate for the upcoming Puthupally constituency bypoll that was necessitated by the death of former Kerala chief minister and veteran Congress leader Oommen Chandy. This marks Jaick's third candidacy for the LDF in Puthupally, and he enters the election arena with a legacy of significantly reducing Oommen Chandy's winning margin in 2021, compared to 2016 and 2011. He is confident that the LDF has successfully altered the course of the election, and he points out the shift in perspective among those who initially predicted an easy victory for the Congress candidate and Oommen Chandy's son, Chandy Oommen. Excerpts from the interview:
Q/ The UDF had a head start in both candidate selection and campaign launch. Initially, there was considerable analysis suggesting that the emotional impact of Oommen Chandy's passing would be the decisive factor in the upcoming polls. However, now that the initial campaign phase has concluded, do you believe there has been a shift in momentum?
A/ While I, as an Left Democratic Front candidate, can make various claims, you, as journalists, have personally witnessed how the public, particularly women, have shown their support for me as a representative of the LDF and Leftist politics. This sentiment is evident in different parts of the constituency.
During the initial phase, many believed it would be a one-sided contest, with an easy victory for the UDF candidate. However, it's evident that opinions have changed since. It's not just a strong competition; it's evolved into a closely contested battle. This is a showdown between two equally formidable contenders.
This journey is far from over. As we approach September 5th - the voting day - you can expect the LDF to gain even more ground.
Q/ Though Oommen Chandy has been victorious for five decades, it's important to note that Puthupally is a constituency with a robust foundation and structure for the LDF. Do you believe that if this system diligently works to secure votes, the LDF can secure a victory here?
A/ Indeed, the LDF has a well-established organisational presence in Puthupally. In 2016, the esteemed former chief minister Oommen Chandy contested with a significant margin of approximately 33,000 votes. This constituency has historically provided such substantial support to Oommen Chandy. However, the LDF has not been deterred by this. We have persisted in our efforts, and in 2020, we witnessed a remarkable surge in LDF support in this area. Currently, six of the eight panchayats in the constituency are under LDF governance. Additionally, three block panchayats—Madappally, Pampady, and Pallom—are controlled by the LDF. Furthermore, as an extension of this progress, we have observed the LDF leading in 60 out of a total of 182 booths in 2021 [assembly elections].
Chandy Oommen and Jaick C. Thomas | Abhijith Ravi
Q/ The Orthodox and Jacobite factions of Malankara church have strong presence in the constituency. You have received positive remarks from the leadership of both factions, although a controversy did arise within the Orthodox Church following a comment from Kottayam Diocese Metropolitan Yuhanon Mar Diascoros.
A/ It's important to recognise that various churches, communities, social and cultural organisations hold their own perspectives and opinions when it comes to elections. These organisations may also criticise different political alliances, as we have seen in the past. However, in the current election climate, the challenges faced by India, experiences from other regions like Manipur, and the topic of secularism have emerged as significant election themes.
In the face of communalism, the promotion of secularism stands out as a prominent political slogan for the CPI(M). We aim to unite all individuals and organisations that oppose communal politics.
The primary issues at hand here are not the internal disputes between churches or communities, nor the unity or differences in opinions between religious groups. Instead, the focus is on the lives and livelihoods of the people and the transformations occurring in their lives. Different ideologies are having a discourse on that. In transforming the lives of people, what role did Leftist politics played? In the last five decades, did the Congress fail to contribute to the development of Puthupally? All these are questions being raised in this election. In this context, other disputes or even attempts to portray such conflicts hold little significance. Additionally, from the perspective of Leftist politics, we have prioritised safeguarding communities of believers from the divisive influence of communalism. This is an approach observed globally, as the Left does not take a communal stance that promotes one belief while attacking another.
Q/ A Church Bill has been proposed as a potential solution to resolve the long-standing feud between the Orthodox and Jacobite factions. While the Jacobite faction views this bill as promising, the Orthodox faction has vehemently opposed it. They argue that they will not accept any state government intervention that seeks to bypass the Supreme Court verdict in their favour.
In your discussions with both the Orthodox and Jacobite factions, has there been any dialogue or consideration of this proposed bill? Have any commitments or assurances been made to these factions regarding this matter?
A/ The state leadership of the LDF and the CPI(M) have issued their responses. It's primarily an administrative matter, and I may not be the most appropriate person to comment on it. Both the LDF leadership and the CPI(M) state leadership have addressed this issue. The LDF is dedicated to resolving problems faced by the general public from all communities, not just one specific community. We are committed to addressing issues fairly and justly for all communities, and the people recognise our approach to politics in this regard.
Q/ During the campaign, you emphasised the issue of “developmental stagnation” in Puthupally. Can you elaborate on the development model you are proposing as an alternative for the constituency?
A/ Puthupally faces significant challenges, notably in terms of access to drinking water. In various parts of the constituency, residents are forced to dip into their own pockets to keep motors and source water from rock quarries, which they then filter for drinking purposes. In no other constituency in Kottayam district you would see this. If we win this election, we are committed to addressing it. Our pledge is not merely a clichéd promise.
Our vision for Puthuppally includes improving drinking water infrastructure, enhancing sanitation facilities, basic infrastructure development, and a wide range of other initiatives. We aim to guide Puthupally on to a path aligned with the 'Nava Kerala model' (New Kerala model) that is driving progress across the entire state.
Puthupally does not even have a mini civil station. During the nomination process, we had to travel to Kottayam to submit our papers. Government offices and village offices in Puthupally are in dire need of renovation and modernisation.
For instance, the government higher secondary school [in Puthupally], a legacy of a former chief minister, was in a state of disrepair. However, under the leadership of the LDF government, the school has been transformed into a state-of-the-art building. Puthupally has the potential for growth and advancement, and we are committed to making it a reality.
