Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said he is ready for a direct debate on development after Opposition Leader V D Satheesan issued a public challenge.
With the state heading to single-phase Assembly elections on April 9 for all 140 constituencies, campaigning has intensified between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by the CPI(M) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
Speaking to reporters earlier, Satheesan alleged that in the last 10 years the LDF government had not built as many houses for people as were constructed during the tenure of former Congress Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. He said he was prepared to debate the state’s development works with Vijayan.
Vijayan accepted the challenge through a social media post, claiming the Left government’s performance deserved an “A-plus” grade and asking whether the opposition was ready to debate based on the achievements listed by the government. He also shared a “report card” of the administration.
Responding, Satheesan said he would participate in the debate at the place and time suggested by the Chief Minister.
