THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister K Radhakrishnan's face remains calm even as he gears up to take up his new responsibility. On Thursday, he was busy disposing of files ahead of his resignation from the cabinet. In the meantime, various colleagues, officials and friends visited his office extending their wishes. The hero of Alathur welcomed them all with a smile and folded hands.

Even as he talks about the need for a secular movement against the BJP rule, K Radhakrishnan openly admits that the influence of the Left has decreased.

"NDA, which is leading the country to bigotry, is trying to eradicate leftist ideas. The Left fought to unite the secular forces against this. Then there is no need to raise the counter question on the number of seats won by the Left. We have to conduct a review to determine the exact cause of the defeat," Radhakrishnan said.

"I came to know about my candidature in Alathur in February. Leaders and workers worked very well in Alathur. Even those who were against the Left in the past also turned in favour of the Left this time," he said.

"I am very happy to be able to contest from Alathur, which comprises my constituency Chelakkara. Development worth 610 crores has been done in Chelakkara in the last two and a half years. Now, my focus will be on the growth of the Alathur constituency," Radhakrishnan added.