MT Vasudevan Nair’s fiery speech in 2024: The words that put Kerala’s ruling CPM on a tightrope

MT Vasudevan Nair, Kerala's celebrated literary legend and Jnanpith laureate, passed away today, leaving behind a profound impact on the state's cultural and intellectual landscape. His remarks, made in January 2024 at the prominent literature festival in Kozhikode, continue to be a topic of political discussion, now amplified by his untimely death. The nonagenarian icon's comments, made in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on power dynamics and the Stalinist cult, triggered a wave of unease within Kerala's ruling CPM.

The controversial speech that shook the political establishment

In his keynote address at the festival, MT, widely known for his frankness and wisdom, referenced EMS Namboodiripad, the legendary Communist leader, and his leadership style. His words, while not explicitly naming Vijayan, led many to draw parallels between the two. The suggestion that the state's current leadership mirrored aspects of the Stalinist approach raised uncomfortable questions for the ruling establishment. This sparked immediate political discourse across Kerala.

“The theory that being in power gives a better opportunity to serve people has been long forgotten. We have all been witnessing politics stooping to new lows with each passing day. The lack of qualified people is often cited as the reason for this. Engaging in political works is the way to gain power. Power can at times give way to dominance or even authoritarianism! A place in the cabinet, assembly or the parliament always provides the leader with an opportunity to dominate over others,” MT made the sharp observations in the presence of Vijayan and Tourism Minister Mohammed Riyas.

“There would be a few people who thought everything would be fixed when the first communist government came to power in the state. But what makes EMS Namboodiripad a great communist leader is the fact that he looked at it as an opportunity to lay the foundation for a great organisation that will work towards transforming people into responsible citizens. To be more precise, he only looked at it as an opportunity to elevate the lives of the people who rallied in support of the party. He was indeed a true leader,” MT said.         

“EMS always tried to change the way people look at politics. He always tried to break the traditional mould. He always wanted to change the age-old concept of a few leading from the front and the others following them blindly. That's why we cannot find him in ceremonial events meant for hero-worshipping the leadership. Individuals mostly rise to power as if it's the destiny of changing times. However, a true leader is someone who is fearless and willing to put all his energy into liberating the oppressed people and uplifting society as a whole. The person should be brimming with fresh thoughts and should have a great vision. Someone like this will be reckoned as the changing force in history like EMS and not as a mere choice of destiny. Today’s leaders should try to emulate his qualities. I hope those in power will realise the requirements of time and work accordingly,” concluded MT.  

The party's official mouthpiece, Deshabhimani, tried to diffuse the controversy, insisting that MT had not been referring to Vijayan or the Left government. CPM strongman E.P. Jayarajan quickly dismissed the media's interpretation, claiming it was a misunderstanding. State Minister for Cultural Fisheries and Cinema, Saji Cherian, also sought to downplay the comments, but the party was left facing a dilemma that refused to go away.

NE Sudheer’s insight: A statement of introspection

NE Sudheer, a long-time associate of MT, provided further context to the remarks. Sudheer recalled that MT had confided in him the day before the speech, stating that he had prepared his comments thoughtfully and was making them not to criticise but to encourage introspection. “I was not criticizing; I was simply stating facts. If this leads to reflection, that will be good,” Sudheer quoted MT. This clarification added depth to the speech, positioning it not as an attack but as a call for self-examination.

The wider political context: Mounting discontent with Vijayan's leadership

MT's speech took on added significance within the larger political climate of Kerala. Since Vijayan’s re-election as Chief Minister in 2021, his autocratic style of governance has been the subject of growing discontent, even within the CPM. However, apart from G. Sudhakaran’s veiled critique, few within the party have dared to publicly question the Chief Minister's methods. MT’s remarks, therefore, represented a rare instance of a prominent figure from the Left camp openly challenging the trajectory of Kerala's leadership.

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, seizing on the moment, suggested that MT’s comments were directed at both Vijayan and Prime Minister Modi, framing them as a broader critique of political power. This interpretation gained traction, sparking debates about the concentration of authority and the need for accountability within Kerala’s ruling establishment.

A legacy of courage and conscience

MT's death today casts his January 2024 speech in a new light. The remarks, though widely discussed at the time, now seem to have been ahead of their time, striking at the heart of the political tensions simmering within the CPM and the broader Left in Kerala. His courage to speak openly, even as a revered elder, was a testament to his lifelong commitment to truth and intellectual freedom.

With IANS inputs