VS raises concern over Gita Gopinath’s appointment: sources

Thiruvananthapuram: CPI(M) veteran V.S Achuthanandan has reportedly written a letter to the party’s central leadership raising concern over Harvard economist Gita Gopinath’s appointment as the advisor to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

According to sources, Achuthanandan in the letter has said the appointment of Gita, who is considered as an advocate of globalisation, is against the CPI(M)’s ideological stand.

The appointment of Gopinath as the economic advisor to Vijayan heading the LDF government has triggered a controversy following reports that she was a supporter of neo-liberal policies and her line was stark contrast to the Left line.

On Tuesday, Gita Gopinath had said she was honoured and humbled and expressed hope of contributing toward further developing sustainable policies for the state.

Gopinath said she would respond to any requests from the Chief Minister for advice on the economic impact on Keralas economy of global, national and state events and policies.

She said it was important to recognise that the post of advisor was an honorary position, that there was no remuneration, and there was no expectation she would move to Thiruvananthapuram to engage on a daily basis with government or be involved in all its economic policy decisions.