Thrissur (Kerala), February 9 K. Satchidanandan, president of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi and a poet, stated in Thrissur on Monday that the LDF and UDF, which have alternately governed the state, are beneficial for Kerala.
Satchidanandan, a Communist, made the remarks following an interview in which he discussed the dangers of a single political front ruling the state continuously.
Satchidanandan clarified that his statements were not made in the context of the upcoming Assembly elections and said he has maintained this stance for a long time.
"The principle of alternating power between the opposition and the ruling front is fundamental to democracy," he said.
He stated that the need for an alternative government stemmed from experience in West Bengal.
"I have direct knowledge of what happened there, and I have also spoken with Communist leaders there. When there is continuous rule, individuals who are undesirable to the party may join with hidden agendas, which also leads to reduced decentralization of power," he said.
He said that opposition strengthens a party, allows it to deepen its connection with the public, and helps address their concerns.
"Often, it is the opposition that reflects the will of the public, including their objections and dissatisfaction," he said.
He said that having a strong opposition is crucial in a democracy.
"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 achieved.
Satchidanandan had earlier believed that an armed revolution could unite people in India, despite its diversity.
"But I have distanced myself from that concept and realized that it is not possible. Hence, the ultimate aim is to make democracy a real democracy," he said.
He said that his comments were not directed against any particular party.
"If the 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 that 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.