People have told the government to 'Get Out': VD Satheesan speaks to Kerala Kaumudi

KOZHIKODE: Two days before the counting of votes, when KPCC President Sunny Joseph was asked about the number of seats the UDF would secure, his reply was a cautious "enough to win." Yet, throughout it all, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan remained firm: "We will cross 100."

Today, the precise assessment of this disciplined political leader—who gauged the pulse of Kerala through his Puthuyuga Yatra—has been proven right to the letter. Decimating the Left government that ruled Kerala for the last ten years, the UDF has galloped to a 102-seat victory. V.D. Satheesan opens up to Kerala Kaumudi.

Interview

Q: While other Congress leaders were hesitant to give a specific number, you remained steadfast on the "100-seat" mark. What gave you that certainty?

V.D. Satheesan: I was certain we would hit a hundred. My statement wasn't a guess; it was based on a ground-level study conducted while traveling across the length and breadth of Kerala. There was an overwhelming anti-incumbency sentiment against the government.

Q: What was the primary source of this confidence?

V.D. Satheesan: The people were waiting for an opportunity to say "Get out" (Kadakku Purathu) to a government that has ruined Kerala over the last ten years. In what era is this Chief Minister living, telling someone who asks a doubt to "go home and ask"? No matter what "theoretical analysis" (Thaathvika Avalokanam) they perform now, this is a massive blow—a strike the likes of which Kerala has never seen before.

Q: You predicted with certainty that Kunhikrishnan would win in Payyannur and G. Sudhakaran would win as well...?

V.D. Satheesan: To be honest, it wasn’t us who ensured their victory; it was the CPM workers themselves. The CPM treated them with such injustice and lack of integrity, didn't they?

Q: Is this a personal victory for V.D. Satheesan?

V.D. Satheesan: I would never claim that. This is the result of the Congress and the UDF working as a single, united unit. When I took over as the Leader of the Opposition, I gave my word to the High Command that I would bring the UDF back to power. Sonia Gandhi told me she had faith in me, and I promised her that I would justify that trust. I feel a deep sense of fulfillment in having kept that promise. Our journey forward will be rooted in the interests of the common man, the youth, and the secular fabric of Kerala.

Q: Are you the next Chief Minister?

V.D. Satheesan: Such a question is irrelevant right now. The Congress High Command will decide on the Chief Minister within two days. I have never asked for any position in my life. I haven't spoken the language of arrogance, claiming I would go into "exile" (Vanavasam) if I lost. However, I did say I would retire if we failed. I had already thought about what my next steps would be if I couldn't deliver on the responsibility entrusted to me.

Q: Did the "wonders" you predicted actually happen?

V.D. Satheesan: Is there any doubt? When I predicted more than 100 seats, many mocked me. But look at the wonders that unfolded! There were miracles in Ambalappuzha, Taliparamba, and Payyannur. We kept the door open for the Mani Group, but they chose not to come. I repeat: this is a victory for Team UDF.