Left will do its best to keep BJP out of power: Pinarayi Vijayan

In an interview to The Indian Express, Vijayan said: "The Left is not a major electoral force in many states; in some, we are practically not there. Except in two-three states where the Congress is pitted against the BJP, it is not in a position to defeat the BJP alone.

"Our strategy for 2019 is clear: we will use our strength to contribute to the defeat of the BJP. In states like Kerala where we are strong, we will keep the BJP at bay and in states where we are hardly a big force, we will help those secular formations best poised to defeat the BJP."

Speaking on the pre-poll alliances forming across the country, he said: "In today’s situation, a nationwide pre-poll alliance bears no relevance. A party or political formation may be very strong in one state but weak or non-existent in another. The alliance picture will be clear only after the elections.

"One thing is obvious: that all (opposition parties) are against the BJP. These forces could emerge victorious in different states, mustering the requisite, aggregate strength to oust the BJP and RSS from power."

When pointed out that the Left was not part of most opposition alliances, Vijayan said: "Even in the past, the Left played a role in the formation of non-BJP, non-Congress governments at the Centre. The Left (CPM) was never a part of these governments but lent support from outside… We were in a position to influence the policies of the UPA-I and so their hands were tied when it came to anti-poor policies. The Congress could therefore return to power…"

Image Credit: UNI Photo