I am approachable, not serious : Pinarayi Vijayan live on Facebook

CPM politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan, as part of a social interaction campaign went live on Facebook  to answer questions from the general public. His team picked out ‘relevant’ questions from over 4000 questions that were received, and Pinarayi then teamed up with an anchor to answer chosen questions. The anchor first declared that only some select and important questions that needed answering got picked out due to time constraints. The comrade did not look very comfortable with the new generation medium initially, and appeared to read out prepared responses in the video.  He went on to mention in a Facebook post later that all suggestions received through social channels are viewed with seriousness, and will be actioned as and when possible. He also said there will be more of such sessions planned in the future.

Chief minister Oomen Chandy had also engaged the public in a Facebook session earlier this week. Given this is where the next generation of their audience is, political parties can no longer afford to ignore this growing section of society and the promise of the vote-bank it holds.

While most topics Pinarayi discussed were political in nature, and pertained to LDF policies on various issues, he also briefly touched on his personal life, explaining how he was being made out to be an unapproachable and serious person. I don’t think my family sees me as a very ‘serious’ person, nor are they upset at me, he said. Even my grandchildren consider me to be very approachable. There are vested interests that are trying to paint others in certain unwanted shades – my portrayal as being insensitive and unapproachable might be one such attempt being made, he clarified.

The leader touched on several topics including corruption, agriculture, small businesses and employment. Most questions were targeted at understanding how an LDF government would deal with such issues, if they come into power. In that sense, Pinarayi was being more of a spokesperson for the LDF trying to explain what stance the government would adopt. Corruption will be dealt with sternly, he said. Though political rivals may claim so, the LDF does not and will not use government machinery to outs political rivals, he said.

The crisis that the agricultural sector is facing was another concern that the leader sought to address in his chat. Tumbling prices for crops must be arrested, he said. The attitude of the government has to change, and we should be more protective of our farmers as is in developed nations. He said that the LDF government would bring in policies to ensure assured prices for local yield such as rubber, coconut and grains. Collapsing prices make life hard for farmers, and agriculture is a sector that needs to be safeguarded at any cost.
Small businesses and industries will also be supported, and they will be kept free of unnecessary red-tape. Financial help for such traders will be provided, with government machinery and financial support systems. He also touched upon the controversies involving appointments to government job, and sought to reassure the public with assurances of PSC exam driven transparent appointments to all government posts.
Development, as LDF sees it, has to be rooted in social justice and equality. Development has to happen all around – not just in select verticals. The environment, for instance, cannot be ignored. Clean water and pollution control will be key agendas – these will require awareness among people, in addition to the work the government can undertake.

The CPM led campaign for encouraging people to grown organic vegatables was very well received across the state, he said. LDF would continue efforts in this direction to try establish Kerala as a self reliant state when it comes to vegetable requirements. There have been several controversies about pesticide laced vegetables being brought to Kerala from neighbouring states. Growing our own in a safe manner is the best possible solution, said Pinarayi. He outlined plans to earmark 50,000 acres of land for vegetable cultivation that would eventually help the state become self-reliant. Once we achieve this, we could also possibly look at selling to other states, he said.
The biggest industry of Kerala, tourism, is under threat despite seeing growth. Tourists come to Kerala to experience the healing powers of nature – but the state needs to do more to ensure it doesn’t destroy the very proposition that is bringing tourists today. Eco-friendly and sustainable tourism has to be the way forward, he said. Local commerce should also be encouraged to provide a complete and authentic experience to tourists.  Rehabilitation projects for malayalees returning from abroad, increased employment and the urgent need to shun violence in politics were other topics he touched upon in his talk.

He appealed to the youth of the state to stay vigilant, and use their energies to fight injustice and make a difference to society. He wound up the session with an appeal for funds, in view of the upcoming elections. Being able to establish a presence and effectively contest the polls will require money, and that needs to come from the discerning citizens who care about the state, he said.

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