Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday rejected the exit polls that predicted huge victory for the BJP-led NDA.
Mr Vijayan said many exit polls had gone completely wrong in the past. In 2004 most exit polls predicted that NDA would return to power. But it was not NDA but the UPA which came to power. "I don't want to speculate on a speculation," he said while referring to the exit poll results.
On Kerala, the chief minister reiterated that the LDF would record a significant victory.
On the decision of EC to hold repoll in seven booths of Kannur and Kasargod, the chief minister said it was not a good precedent. ''In our experience we have not seen repoll being ordered just on the basis of one of two issues in the electoral process,'' he said.
He said if there was a legal issue then it has to be dealt with legally. If something illegal has taken place the general practice is to take the legal recourse.
When asked about EC functioning in a biased manner, the chief minister said there were differences in the panel.
They are holding a meeting tomorrow to discuss these issues. Attempts are being made to bring all constitutional institutions under control, he said.
Govt to assist Piketty in studying Kerala model
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday said the government will provide all assistance to noted economist Thomas Piketty for carrying out a detailed study on the Kerala model of economic development.
At a press conference here, the chief minister said a nodal officer would be appointed to make available required data for the study. During his meeting with the French economist the latter had evinced interest in studying the Kerala model if the relevant data is made available to him.
He lauded the Kerala model. "It is a matter of pride for us that an internationally reputed economist has recognised the state government's intervention in education, health and social sectors," the chief minister said.
Mr Piketty said the data on India's economic situation was not available. The authorities concerned were not making the relevant data available and that was one of the reasons why a comprehensive study about Indian economy was not happening.
The chief minister said Mr Piketty had agreed to visit Kerala and interact with economists, financial results and hold discussions in the universities.
The government has decided to create a platform for Mr Piketty to disseminate his expert opinions to the universities.
