Thiruvananthapuram: Pinarayi Vijayan and Narendra Modi may be poles apart in political ideology, but when it comes to attacking the opposition both seem to be employing the same tactics.
On Wednesday, Pinarayi quoted former chief minister Oommen Chandy speech on vendetta transfers made on July 13, 2011 to blunt UDF attack.
It may be recalled that Modi had quoted Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi to corner Congress during the President’s address debate in Lok Sabha in March this year.
“The government will take all steps by taking employees into confidence. Since the election code of conduct was in place, general transfers could not be carried out earlier. All transfers are being made by seeking opinion of employees. But promotions are also involved, in some cases postings could not be given as per the wish of employees. The government is open towards allegations and complaints. Corrective measures would be taken after considering outcome of petitions pending in courts,” a smiling Pinarayi said.
Even before the opposition benches could react, the chief minister added, “These are not my words. These are the words of the then Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in the house on July 13, 2011 when A K Balan raised the allegation of transfers being carried out flouting all norms by UDF government,” and added:
“I agree with the essence of this statement."
During the debate on President’s address in Lok Sabha in March this year, Modi cornered the Congress which was creating pandemonium in House.
“House is a place where debates are to take place, but if boundaries are maintained during a debate then it is fruitful. This is not something I am saying, this has been said by former PM Rajiv Gandhi,” he said.
"Why do we want to portray the image of India as if we have a begging bowl in our hands. When we ourselves will say this, others will say the same thing louder and stronger. These words are of Indira Gandhi,” Modi said while countering the opposition charge that the country was going down the drains under his regime.
