Kozhikode: Rumours about Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan’s candidacy from Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat are rife even as the BJP and the RSS are reportedly keen on the former Kerala party chief making a return to electoral politics. He himself is ready to contest from this constituency if BJP's central leadership agrees, as his interview with Manorama News on Tuesday revealed.
Barely a year into his ascent as governor on May 29, 2018, debates on Kummanam’s return to state politics are hot. Kummanam's visit to Kerala becomes important for the same reason. At least an unofficial meeting with the RSS leadership here is on the cards. This interview happened at the Kozhikode guest house on the backdrop of such political speculations.
How do you feel about the discussions on the current political scenario in Kerala?
Well, people are saying all kinds of things.
It (Governorship) is not a designation that can be thrown away just like that. The central leadership has to take a call, convey it to the President of India and above all a successor has to be found. It’s not that easy. It was the organisation’s decision. I have always been a team player. My personal choices are not of importance. I am ready to return and take to active politics again. But the leadership has to make that call. I could go anywhere and meet anyone before. Now there are security restrictions.
Are you happy to keep away from controversies?
Not at all. It’s all part of a social worker’s life. There should be criticism and controversies. Right has a place only where there is wrong. I have never wished to keep away from controversies.
Your speech in Mizo language on the Armed Forces Day was much debated on social media.
[Kummanam laughs, speaks after a pause.] Mizo is a language without script. My secretary wrote the speech in Malayalam. Usually governors speak in English. But it was decided to go with the local language this time. It is a tough language to learn.
Reflections on Mizoram
It’s all mountains and hillocks there. Schools don’t have flat playgrounds. Higher education, especially in science and engineering, are practically unavailable. As many as 114 students were brought from Mizoram to Thiruvananthapuram to study engineering
Some places are inaccessible by vehicles. Some have no roads. Areas under governor’s direct control are frequently visited. There are no medical colleges. Though forest dwellers, most people lead modern lifestyles there.
(The interview had to be wound up as the Governor's secretary indicated it was time to leave for an inauguration in Kozhikode. He parted with a smile and handshake. Time allotted for this interview was a small window after breakfast.)
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