Kannur (Kerala), May 3 (IANS). Amid the ongoing discussions regarding a woman Chief Minister in Kerala politics, senior CPI(M) leader and LDF candidate from Peravoor Assembly seat KK Shailaja has refused to give much importance to this debate. He clearly said that the basis of governance is not gender but policies.
Speaking to IANS, Shailaja said, “Leadership is not just based on gender. What really matters are policies. Even if a woman becomes the Chief Minister, change is not possible without the right policies.”
Her statement is being considered important at a time when discussions are intensifying about the first woman Chief Minister in the state and some people are also calling her a possible contender for this post.
However, KK Shailaja completely rejected these speculations and said that such discussions have no importance at this time. He reiterated that LDF is fighting the upcoming assembly elections under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the party trusts his experience and working style.
He said, “Our party is currently contesting the elections under the leadership of Comrade Pinarayi. He is an experienced leader and has effectively led the state in the last decade. The party has decided to move forward under his leadership.”
KK Shailaja also expressed full confidence about the victory of CM Pinarayi Vijayan from Dharmadam seat and said that he will win by a comfortable margin.
When he was questioned about the possibility of himself becoming Chief Minister, he categorically denied any personal ambitions. She said, “I never thought of such a post. The party has asked me to contest the elections and I am doing the same. If I win, I will work as an MLA. Decisions like leadership and ministerial posts are taken by the party collectively, and I will follow that.”
Shailaja, who is contesting from Peravur seat, said that the voters there want development and their entire focus is on this. “People are expecting development here, like it has happened in other areas. We are working in the same direction,” he said.
Shailaja, who has been praised for her work as health minister during the COVID-19 pandemic, said people remember her work, but the real issue in elections remains development and public welfare.
The wait for election results continues in Kerala, but at present LDF seems completely united under the leadership of CM Pinarayi Vijayan, while the debate regarding women leadership continues in the political circles.
–IANS
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