Pandikadavathu Kunhalikutty's candidature gave the Malappuram Lok Sabha bypoll an adrenaline boost in what would have been a dull contest otherwise. In the Indian Union Muslim League bastion of Malappuram, the 2014 LS poll saw the late E. Ahamed romping home by getting more than 50 percent of the total votes polled. But in the subsequent local body polls Left Democratic Front (LDF) made huge inroads. All assembly segments in Malappuram are represented by IUML, but the LDF managed to cut massive margin of more than 1,90, 000 votes by more than 75,000 votes. Kunhalikutty, however, is undeterred. The IUML national general secretary speaks to Onmanorama on the importance of this election, why the IUML wanted him to switch to the Lok Sabha and the LDF government in the state. Excerpts.
Why did you chose to contest the Lok Sabha bypoll?
The present circumstances in the national political scenario prompted the IUML to field me. If it was a Congress-led dispensation at the Center, things would have been different. But the BJP-led government should be opposed with all our might. That is why I am contesting.
The Social Democratic Party of India, which contested alone and garnered 47,000 votes in 2014, has called for a conscience vote this time. Do you expect to get the SDPI's votes?
If they say conscience vote, it means casting a vote weighing the present circumstances. I cannot pass a comment on that. The SDPI has not decided to support me and hence it is their choice.
Will your decision to contest to the LS affect the unity of UDF in state as you were always a binding force?
Not at all. There are capable leaders here. Moreover, I would be actively involved in UDF and Kerala politics.
Do you have any worries about the flaws in your nomination form which the BJP is raking up?
That is not a serious issue. If they are charging that I did not fill up a column to conceal anything, I will prove that it is not the case. I just left a column, which all candidates do. I do not take these charges seriously.
Will this bypoll be a referendum on the Pinarayi-led government's performance?
People are not at all satisfied with the performance of the Pinarayi government. The LDF govt has disappointed.
But you are not making any scathing remarks against the state government in your campaign tour?
I have not shied away from creatively criticizing the state government. There are two aspects to my campaign tour speech. One is about the the fascist BJP-led govt at the center which should be opposed and the other is the failure of the LDF government in the state. But then, I have my own language. Basically, I have a soft nature.
The BJP has charged that the IUML had a tacit understanding with the CPM on your opponent (hinting at allegations of LDF putting up a weak candidate)?
That charge is rubbish. How can someone influence a decision which is taken by the CPM after internal discussions in the party committees.
There is also an allegation that you had a secret meeting with Pinarayi?
There are relationships that transcend party affiliations. I had gone to participate in a function of a special school run by an industrialist in Valanchery. The chief minister was also there at the residence of the industrialist. I did not enter the residence. When I reached there, the CM and his entourage was coming out. This is the incident which the BJP is making a big fuss.
What is the margin of victory you expect?
It would be an excellent margin.