Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 28 (PTI) Kerala Minister V Sivankutty, the LDF candidate from Nemom for the April 9 polls, on Saturday said his rival and BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar can fix the time and venue for an open debate on development in the constituency.
Chandrasekhar had earlier challenged Sivankutty to a public debate, which the minister accepted and proposed to hold at Poojapura here on March 29.
However, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to campaign in Thrissur and Palakkad on the same day, Chandrasekhar did not respond to the proposal.
“He withdrew after realising the development that has taken place here,” Sivankutty told reporters.
He said he understands that Chandrasekhar may be engaged with the Prime Minister’s programmes.
“He can fix any date and place for the debate, and I am ready. The only condition is that it should not be held in the evening when we are busy with campaign rallies,” he said.
He alleged that Chandrasekhar has failed to understand the developments in Nemom and Kerala.
“The BJP workers themselves are in a dilemma as they cannot claim that no development has taken place here. Chandrasekhar should acknowledge the progress made,” he said.
Sivankutty also claimed that Chandrasekhar has admitted his inability to contribute to Kerala or Nemom during his tenure as a Union minister.
He further said the Centre should explain the lack of railway development in Nemom.
The minister said the main contest in the constituency is between the CPI(M) and the BJP, while noting that Nemom has largely supported the LDF in elections except on one occasion.
He added that, as a candidate, he would seek votes from all sections of society.
Sivankutty said a detailed brochure highlighting development works carried out in the constituency over the past five years has been prepared and distributed to households.
Nemom is set to witness a fierce contest with Sivankutty taking on Chandrasekhar and Congress fielding K S Sabarinathan.
Responding to Sivankutty’s proposal for a debate, Chandrasekhar said he is ready for a discussion but insisted that it should not be limited to just the two of them.
“This discussion was initiated by me and I have no problem with it. But Sivankutty alone should not come. The chief minister should also have the courage to take part in the debate,” he said.
He added that the CPI(M) can decide who would represent the party, and the BJP would also take a call on its participant.
Chandrasekhar also suggested including the Congress in the discussion.
“A three-way debate should take place. It should focus on the future and growth of the state, and also examine what the CPI(M) and the Congress did when they had opportunities to govern Kerala,” he said.
Meanwhile, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor and BJP leader V V Rajesh invited CPI(M) MLAs from the city for a debate on their role in addressing civic issues.
Rajesh invited V Sivankutty, V K Prasanth and Kadakampally Surendran to discuss the steps taken to tackle issues such as water scarcity and stray dog menace in the city.
Elections to the Kerala Assembly, which has 140 seats, will be held on April 9. PTI TBA TBA KH
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