‘A true democracy needs alternatives’: Poet K Satchidanandan on Kerala's political landscape

Thiruvananthapuram:

Kerala Sahitya Akademi president and poet K Satchidanandan on Monday said alternating rule by the LDF and UDF is healthier for democracy in Kerala than continuous governance by a single front.

A long-time Communist fellow traveller, Satchidanandan, said his views were not linked to the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. He said he has held this position for years.

“Opposition and the ruling front coming to power alternately is a basic principle of democracy,” he said.

He said his views were shaped by the West Bengal Left Front experience, where prolonged rule weakened internal democracy.

“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 sitting in the opposition helps parties strengthen themselves, deepen grassroots links and listen to public concerns.

“Often, it is the opposition that expresses the will of the public, including their objections and dissatisfaction,” he said, adding that a strong opposition is vital for democracy.

He said elections should not be seen only in terms of victory or defeat.

“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 democracy succeeds when new voices are heard from panchayats to Parliament.

Satchidanandan said he once believed armed revolution could unite India, despite its diversity, but has since rejected that idea.

“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 aimed at any single party.

“If Congress had ruled the state continuously, I would have said the same,” he said.

On the BJP’s continuous rule at the Centre, he said he supported CPM leader Sitaram Yechury’s idea 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.

However, he said such an arrangement would not suit Kerala, as it could make the BJP the main opposition and eventually help it gain power.

He said there should have been coordination between the LDF and UDF in areas where the BJP was strong during the last local body elections.

He said continuous rule often leads parties, including the Communist Party, to focus more on middle-class and upper-middle-class concerns, rather than grassroots issues.

He said the same trend exists across other parties as well.

He criticised both the CPM and Congress for attempting to align with community organisations.

“Both the CPM and Congress are secular parties and should not indulge in community appeasement,” he said.

He said it was inappropriate for any secular party to appease individuals who act against the principles of Sree Narayana Guru.

“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 he expected nothing different from the BJP.

Asked whether Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s governance over the past decade had moved away from Communist ideology, he said he did not wish to single out any leader but referred to leaderships that had, at times, drifted from ideology.

He acknowledged positive developments under the LDF government, including progress in development, environmental protection, literacy and promotion of 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 his remarks, CPM state secretary M V Govindan said Satchidanandan had expressed a personal 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 the interview reflected the need for reforms within the parliamentary system.

“I focus on that point. CPM 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 why the front must continue in power to ensure 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,” he said.

PTI