Thrissur (Kerala), Feb 9 (PTI) Kerala Sahitya Akademi president and poet K Satchidanandan here on Monday said that the LDF and UDF, who have ruled the state alternatively, are better for Kerala.
A Communist co-traveller, Satchidanandan, was responding to reporters following an interview in which he spoke about the dangers of a single front ruling the state continuously.
Satchidanandan clarified that his remarks were not made in the context of the upcoming Assembly elections and said he has maintained the same stand for a long period.
“Opposition and the ruling front coming to power alternately is a basic principle of democracy,” he said.
He said the need for an alternative government was based on the experience in West Bengal.
“I directly know what happened there and have also spoken to Communist leaders there. There is a possibility that individuals undesirable to the party are joining with hidden agendas when there is continuous rule. It also leads to reduced decentralisation of power,” he said.
He said that by sitting in opposition, a party strengthens itself, deepens its roots among the public, and helps listen to their concerns.
“Often, it is the opposition that expresses the will of the public, including their objections and dissatisfaction,” he said.
He said that in a democracy, having a strong opposition is crucial.
“Victory and defeat in elections should not be the ultimate objective of parties. What is important is whether parties reflect the voice of the people,” he said.
He added that when new people and their voices are heard from panchayats to Parliament, the ultimate objective of democracy is attained.
Satchidanandan said he had earlier believed that an armed revolution could unite people in India, despite its diversity.
“But I have distanced myself from that concept and realised that it is not possible. Hence, the ultimate aim is to make democracy a real democracy,” he said.
He said his comments were not directed against any particular party.
“If Congress had ruled the state continuously, I would have said the same,” he said.
Regarding the BJP’s continuous rule at the Centre, Satchidanandan said he had supported Sitaram Yechury, who put forward the concept of the INDIA alliance.
“Every study of fascism reveals that opposition parties should stand together even if their objectives vary. But in Kerala, I will not say that, as it would pave the way for the BJP becoming the main opposition, which could later help it come to power,” he said.
He said there should have been an understanding between the UDF and LDF in places where the BJP had dominance during the last local body elections.
He said the Communist party is a political entity that operates from the grassroots level and that, due to continuous rule, it often tries to resolve issues largely concerning the middle class and upper middle class.
He said the same has been the case with other parties as well.
He said the most shocking aspect for him was the CPI(M) and the Congress attempting to align with community organisations.
“Both the CPI(M) and Congress are secular parties and should not indulge in community appeasement,” he said.
He said it was not appropriate for any Keralite or secularist to see political parties appeasing a person who lives and acts against Sree Narayana Guru’s principles.
“Such compromises and deals pull parties back and divert them from their ideologies. Parties in Kerala are expected to uphold the ideology of secularism,” he said, adding that nothing is expected from the BJP.
When asked whether Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s governance over the past 10 years had backtracked from Communist ideologies, he said he did not wish to pinpoint any individual leader but referred to leaderships that had, on a few occasions, moved away from ideology.
Satchidanandan said that over the last 10 years of LDF rule, several positive developments have also taken place in Kerala, including in development activities, the environment, literacy, and the importance given to the Malayalam language.
He said government offices have become more people-friendly and service-oriented. “But I also see fear growing among people to criticise the party. There may be criticism within the party during conventions. However, fear among people to speak against the party from outside has increased,” he said.
Responding to Satchidanandan’s comments, CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan said the poet had expressed his opinion.
“He has said that party cadres lose focus due to continuous governance. It is a concept many people carry. It does not mean that there should not be a continuous government,” Govindan said.
He said that Satchidanandan’s interview reflected the need for changes in parties within the parliamentary system.
“I focus on that point. CPI(M) or the LDF losing an election does not mean it is the end. Victory does not mean it is everlasting,” he said.
Govindan said LDF leaders are explaining to the public the need for the front to continue ruling the state for development.
“The interview reflected that if there are issues in political affairs, they should be resolved and moved forward. In the article, he has said Communist parties should be careful, citing examples of victories and defeats,” Govindan said. PTI TBA TBA KH
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