Noted writer Sarah Joseph criticises LDF, calls for change of govt in Kerala

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has a history of siding with "any demon" in order to hold onto power, according to writer Sarah Joseph, who on Monday called for a change of government in Kerala.

Sarah told reporters that democratic values are being seriously undermined by the current state and national circumstances.

“We can say for sure that forces which have been continuously ruling both in Kerala and at the Centre are responsible for this,” she said.

Earlier in the day, Kerala Sahitya Akademi president and poet K Satchidanandan had remarked that both the LDF and the United Democratic Front (UDF), which have ruled Kerala alternately, are better options for the state.

Joseph said there was widespread expectation that the LDF, after remaining in power continuously, would emerge as a defender of democracy.

“But all governing classes require communal and religious powers. By befriending them, these ruling classes are destroying democratic and secular India. Surely, there is a need for a change of government,” she said.

She alleged that the Left has historically aligned with forces it once opposed in order to stay in power.

“The Left has a history of aligning with ‘any demon’ to retain power,” she added.

Referring to past political alliances, Sarah said, “They allied with the Muslim League in the past to come to power. The need for such a move was justified then, but was later corrected by EMS Namboodiripad.”

She accused political parties of prioritising power over democratic principles.

“For them, power is important, not the people, secularism or even federalism on which we want India to exist,” she said.

She also criticised the state government’s development model, alleging a lack of meaningful efforts to improve the financial situation of the people, including employment generation.

“Other than making roads and buildings, a development system that fulfils the basic requirements of ground-level and poor people has not been brought in. What happens here is that when elections come, parties ally with anyone, break their own ideologies and win. After winning the election, they remain in power,” she said.

She added that political parties abandon their ideologies during elections to secure power.

“If this continues, there will be no scope for correction or hope. Not only that, sitting in the opposition is good even for the governing class,” she said.

Joseph warned that internal democracy within political parties is weakening.

“If this continues, there will be no scope for correction or hope. Not only that, sitting in the opposition is good even for the governing class,” she said.

Asked whether the Left Front should take corrective steps, Joseph criticised the attitude of Left leaders towards the media.

“The approach towards the media by Left leaders is unexpected. The media is the voice of the people, even if its functioning differs. Governments should never attempt to shut the mouths of the media,” she said.

She further alleged that questioning authority has become unacceptable within sections of the Left.

“In Kerala, where it is believed that freedom of speech exists, a section of the Left has maintained an attitude towards the media, the public and even people within the party that questions should not be raised, for the past several years,” she said.

Joseph said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s performance should be reviewed by the party.

“It was the Left party that came to power, not Vijayan alone, claiming adherence to Left ideology. People at the grassroots, including women, Dalits, Adivasis, the poor and landless farmers, placed their hopes in the party. What these people have gained needs to be evaluated by party members,” she said.

She cautioned that if the LDF weakens or becomes irrelevant, it could create space for the BJP to gain power in the state, while also criticising the BJP and its allies.

Sarah said that while people seeking change may turn to the Congress, it must also uphold democratic values.

“We cannot blindly expect major democratic changes if they come to power. The present situation in India is also the result of the Congress’s continuous rule at the Centre earlier, during which corruption and failures helped the BJP come to power,” she said.

She observed that communist parties globally have declined after moving towards autocratic styles of governance.

On the CPM’s association with SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellapally Natesan, Joseph said it went beyond majority appeasement.