'People of Maha have not liked Modi's comments'

Ramesh Chennithala (67) was appointed AICC observer for Maharashtra in December 2023, when Congress was indeed in a crisis in view of the rebellion in NCP as well as Shiv Sena leading to the collapse of the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government. The big challenge before Chennithala, a four-term MP and five-term member of the Kerala assembly, was to ensure MVA's victory in the Lok Sabha elections.Chennithala spoke to TOI on the possible outcome of the LS polls, future of INDIA bloc and if there should be age limit for prime ministers. Excerpts:
Q: Do you think there should be an age limit for PMs?
A:BJP has excluded those above 75 years from active politics. Seniors L K Advani and Murali Manohar Joshi, who were pillars of BJP, were sidelined on grounds of their age. We are keen for a clarification from BJP if Modi will retire after 75 and hand over the reins to Amit Shah. The PM will turn 75 in Sept 2025.
How do you look at PM Modi's poll campaign?
Modi addressed many election rallies in Maharashtra. In fact, he created a new record compared to any politician in the state. In my opinion, people of the state did not like the language used by him. It is not the culture in the state. He called Pawar a 'bhatakti aatma' and UBT Shiv Sena a duplicate political party, it was in bad taste. BJP will have to pay a heavy price for Modi's comments in the LS elections. In his campaign, Modi has maintained a discreet silence on key issues. We feel there is an anti-Modi wave all over.
How will MVA performance?
I am not getting into the numbers game, but MVA will get a good number of seats, it will be the biggest setback for the BJP-led Mahayuti. Across the country, there is an anti-BJP wave owing to failure of the NDA govt on all fronts. Discontent is brewing over abuse of Central agencies - CBI, income tax and ED. The general assumption is that those who do not follow the govt line are targeted by agencies. People are unhappy with the NDA govt and it will be reflected in the LS polls. People told me the NDA govt, particularly Modi, has completely ignored a progressive state like Maharashtra. In the last ten years, Mumbai was expecting a special deal, but no justice was done.
Modi has urged Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray to join hands with Mahayuti...
Modi's statement appears deliberate, since now he has concluded it will not be possible for him to secure a majority in LS in view of discontent all over. So there is no option before the PM but to appeal to Pawar and Thackeray to join.