'Karunakaran tried to make him minister in 1971, but Antony stepped aside,' recalls VM Sudheeran

Former KPCC president and ex-minister V M Sudheeran extended birthday wishes to A K Antony, reflecting on the individual, politician and administrator he has become at 84. In a conversation with Mathrubhumi correspondent M K Suresh, Sudheeran shared his thoughts.

Regardless of the position held, A K Antony firmly believed no office should be used for personal gain. This principle defined Antony's political philosophy, which often saw him relinquishing or declining positions without hesitation. Antony’s organisational style emphasised expressing disagreements within party forums, ensuring his actions never brought harm or crisis to the party. Throughout his political journey, Antony maintained his simplicity and commitment to ideals, earning him the reputation of being a symbol of modesty and principle.

On Saturday, as Antony turned 84, Sudheeran evaluated his contributions and wished him well, recounting his memories and experiences with the veteran leader.

A Man of Simplicity and Secular Values

Antony has always been known for his simplicity, non-partisan approach and staunch commitment to secularism. He upheld the secular and economic policies inspired by Jawaharlal Nehru. From his youth, Antony displayed an openness to speak out against any decisions he opposed, but always did so within party platforms.

One striking example of Antony's courage was during the Guwahati AICC session when he voiced his concerns over the misuse of power during the Emergency. Despite the authoritarian environment of the time, his boldness even prompted Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to reconsider certain actions. Antony’s criticisms never strained his personal relationships, regardless of whether the disagreements were with party colleagues or political opponents.

Efforts to Reunite Leaders

When veteran leader K Karunakaran left the Congress to form the Democratic Indira Congress (DIC), Antony played a crucial role in urging him to return. Antony once remarked to Karunakaran’s son K Muraleedharan at an event in Kayamkulam, “Please convey to your father my request not to leave the Congress or form a new party.” Antony later worked diligently to facilitate Karunakaran’s return, and his support was instrumental in Muraleedharan securing a Lok Sabha seat.

Early days in KSU and Youth Congress

In May 1964, a Kerala Students Union (KSU) state camp was held in Aluva, where Vayalar Ravi was the president, and Antony served as the treasurer. The camp laid the foundation for Antony’s leadership in KSU, which he later revitalised by reorganising university unions and championing issues like fee standardisation. Antony also became the Youth Congress State President and led numerous initiatives, including a historic march from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram against the policies of the EMS
Government.

Collaboration with M N Govindan Nair

In 1969, following the split in the Congress party, a new KPCC committee was formed with advocate K K Viswanathan as convener. Vacancies in the KPCC were filled by appointing young leaders, including myself, as members. In the subsequent elections, K K Viswanathan became president, and A K Antony was made general secretary. The other general secretaries were Meleth Narayanan Nambiar and A Mohammed Koya, also known as Appakoya.

During this period, the government led by EMS was replaced by an alternative government under the leadership of Achutha Menon. K Karunakaran, the parliamentary party leader, along with other MLAs who supported Indira Gandhi, backed the Achutha Menon government. A liaison committee was formed for policy formulation, with M N Govindan Nair and A K Antony as conveners. M N, a magnanimous leader, entrusted Antony with most of the responsibilities, a testament to Antony's loyalty and reliability. Antony played a crucial role in the government.

When the opposition planned a no-confidence motion against the government, Achutha Menon pre-emptively dissolved the assembly and called for fresh elections after passing a confidence motion in the House. Antony, Oommen Chandy, A C Shanmukhadas, N Ramakrishnan, Kottara Gopalakrishnan, K Raghavan Master and M V Rajan Master were among the young leaders who emerged victorious. At the time, the Kerala Students Union (KSU) and the Youth Congress formed the backbone of the Congress party.

The Youth Congress’s stance against joining the Cabinet was accepted by the party. However, after the 1971 elections, Indira Gandhi endorsed the idea of participating in governance, leading to K Karunakaran being appointed as Home Minister. Although Karunakaran proposed making Antony a minister, Antony voluntarily stepped aside.

Under leaders like Vayalar Ravi, Antony and Oommen Chandy, the study camps organised by the Youth Congress and KSU provided ideological clarity and nurtured a cadre deeply committed to the organisation. These camps fostered close bonds between leaders and workers, strengthening the party’s unity and resolve.

A Crisis Manager

Antony played a key role in managing internal party crises, including addressing demands for ministerial changes during the Emergency and handling sensitive issues within the KPCC. He maintained a principled stand against the misuse of power and prioritised party unity.

Upholding Morality and Transparency

Antony’s public life was marked by his unwavering adherence to moral values. As Defence Minister in the UPA government, he ensured transparency and ordered CBI investigations into allegations, earning widespread respect. His tenure as Kerala Chief Minister saw him implementing significant decisions like toddy ban, despite political risks.

A Leader Who Inspired Generations

Antony’s traits of honesty, organisational commitment, and an anti-corruption stance are qualities future generations must emulate. Leaders like Vayalar Ravi, Antony and Oommen Chandy have been Sudheeran’s mentors, and their ability to accept open criticism without letting it strain relationships has been remarkable.

Antony’s personal humility and his refusal to seek positions of power are noteworthy. While it may be coincidental that Antony and the Congress Party share the same birth date, the emotional bond between the two is undeniable.