KOCHI: For somebody who represented Piravom from 2006-2011, LDF candidate M J Jacob is confidence personified. And, this time too he is sure of a win. In a freewheeling chat with City Express, Jacob talks about his winnability, campaign and future plans. “People in the constituency know me for the developmental works I undertook,” Jacob says and proudly adds that his decades-long stint in politics helped him familiarise himself with every nook and cranny of Piravom, which he believes will help him win.“Twice I was the president of Thirumarady gramapanchayat. It was during my tenure as the chief that Thirumarady bagged the Best Panchayat in the State Award. And it should be noted that the honour was during the term of a UDF Government,” Jacob says. He adds that he always maintains good relations with everyone irrespective of political affiliations. On his campaign trail, Jacob says: “Only two panchayats are left to be covered. All through my campaign, people showered me with affection. Women and children came out in large numbers to extend their support,” he says. Jacob adds that his campaign is entirely focused on development issues. “I approach people highlighting the development works undertaken during my stint as an MLA. I am sure that before going to the polling booth, the voters will compare UDF’s 25 years and my five years in Piravom,” he says. Jacob goes on to add that though UDF was in power for 25 years, it had done nothing for the constituency. Elaborating on the development works undertaken by him, Jacob says the lab blocks built with the assistance of NABARD at nine higher secondary schools at Piravom were on his initiative. “The Chottanikkara stadium, the bridges across Muvattupuzha river, a mini civil station at Piravom and better roads were all my efforts,” he says. Stating that the UDF was trying to politicise issues, the CPM leader alleged that the UDF Government was now trying to take the credit for the electronics park at Amballoor.“It was during my tenure that the paper work was done for the project. But, the only hindrance was a small stretch of wetland. As soon as the UDF Government came to power, they gave the project a nod without even looking at the issues,” he says. However, Jacob is sure that the recent political developments involving Opposition Leader V S Achuthanadan’s statement against Sindhu Joy and the Selvaraj episode would have no impact on the polls. “Though these issues may become topic for talks, the people are only bothered about the development issues. As Piravom is basically an agrarian constituency, issues related to farmers will be widely discussed,” Jacob says. According to Jacob, the development projects that will get priority if he wins are a comprehensive solution to potable water woes and infrastructure development. Besides, he notes that focus would be for the development of agriculture sector. On the ‘Christian factor’ that might be decisive, Jacob says he was sure that the people from all sections of society will vote for him.
Comments
0 comment