Candidate Controversy a “Political Drama,” Says Education Minister V. Sivankutty

Thiruvananthapuram: Education Minister V. Sivankutty said that the controversy over candidates currently unfolding in the state is a new political drama. What we have been witnessing over the past few days is the PR strategy of a political party that has forgotten the meaning of the word public service. People who do not even have voting rights, or who have not updated their correct address in the voters’ list, are being announced as candidates. Afterwards, when the law takes its natural course, the leaders cry out saying they are not being allowed to contest.

This, he said, is a serious challenge to democracy. Such drama amounts to mocking the laws of the land and the Election Commission. This blame game begins without even giving authorities the time needed to take decisions. “Is it because they cannot stand before the public with credibility that they weave lies and create stories of victimhood to grab attention?” the minister asked.

Those who devise such tactics are making fools of the people. The media should not fall into this trap. Real issues must be discussed. The political motives behind false statements should be exposed before the public. Sivankutty further questioned how a party that cannot even field legally valid candidates expects to contest and win elections.