Thiruvananthapuram: Actor, director Joy Mathew said that alternative politics is required to ensure that everyone can express their opinions without fear. He was speaking at a solo session on ‘Badalukal Illatha Malayali’ (Keralites who don’t have an alternative) at Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL) here at Kanakakkunnu Palace on Saturday. He said that people should have the right to disagree which is something that they don’t have in the present period. “People who speak a different or contradictory opinion are attacked and bullied on social media. Though social media give us many opportunities to speak our mind, most of the people who use social media are party criminals”.

He explored the chances for finding an alternative party without flaws. He said that the Keralites are compelled to vote for the Left party who call themselves progressive or the Right who are mainly religious fundamentalists. We don’t have an alternative. Even when we say ourselves progressive, we are still stuck to superstitions. None of the political party dares to answer the question of beliefs. He quoted the Sabarimala issue where the people of Kerala and the political parties fought with each other in the name of beliefs as an example. He pointed out people should believe in science and stop being ‘sapiens with internet connection’. When the audience asked him to suggest an alternate political party, he said that it is up to the public to bring an alternative.

While asked about forming an alternative organization within the film industry in the light of the present controversies, he replied that he will fight within the organization. “It is not easy to make an alternative organization in film industry. I have harshly criticized the actress attack case. I have also announced that I will not act with the alleged accused”. He said that he doesn’t act according to the expectations of behaviour and react to issues in his own ways. He added that if we have a firm stand, people will respect us.