Congress' policy of aligning with Jamaat-e-Islami is self-destructive: Chief Minister

KOCHI: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the Congress policy of aligning with Jamaat-e-Islami in the local body elections is “self-destructive.” He was speaking at the Meet the Press event organised by the Ernakulam Press Club.

He said that a large majority of Muslims do not support the policies of Jamaat-e-Islami. “Still, for the sake of a few votes, the Congress is forming an unhealthy alliance with them. Their ideology is based on Maududi’s extremist ideas, which have no connection with the beliefs of ordinary Muslims,” he said. Responding to questions, the Chief Minister added that Jamaat-e-Islami has occasionally supported Left candidates, as they vote based on the candidate.

The Chief Minister said that MP John Brittas is effectively coordinating with the Union Government regarding the PM SHRI scheme. He added that it was not appropriate for senior IAS officer B. Ashok to approach the court against Travancore Devaswom Board President K Jayakumar.

He said he could not understand the deliberate non-cooperation by rice mill owners in the paddy procurement process. “The government’s stand is to protect farmers,” he added.

KIIFB: Will face ED action legally

Regarding the ED notice related to KIIFB’s masala bonds, the Chief Minister said that the government does not view it as serious. “We are ready to state openly that land had indeed been acquired. KIIFB has strictly followed Reserve Bank guidelines. This is only an election-time tactic. If any action is taken, we will face it legally,” he said.

‘Tell us Rahul’s hideout, we’ll catch him’

Speaking about the Rahul Mamkootathil case, the Chief Minister said, “If Congress leaders reveal where Rahul is hiding, we can catch him. Some people are trying to protect him. There are rumours about the places he has visited. What has happened in Rahul’s case is shocking to the conscience. Instead of removing him after the allegations, protecting him is not suitable for a party with Congress’s legacy.”

Sabarimala gold theft case: Won't protect the guilty

The Chief Minister said that the Sabarimala gold smuggling case is progressing properly under the supervision of the High Court, and that no accused person is being protected.

Regarding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors in the Digital University, he said that the government submitted the list according to Supreme Court directions. “The Supreme Court instructed that one person from that list should be appointed. The Governor openly violated this. It is difficult to understand why he is doing this. It is a strange situation,” the Chief Minister said.