Kozhikode: Opinions are vastly divided as to whom revered author M.T Vasudevan Nair was referring to when he made the now controversial remarks on ceremonial events, authoritarianism, and hero worship. While the opposition has taken up arms and stated that the criticism was aimed at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the CPM is on the defensive in arguing that the remarks were made about the Central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Meanwhile, several writers lauded MT for his eye-opening speech. 

Writer and critic M.N Karassery lauded MT’s words and said that the fact that the remarks were made while the CM of the state was on the same stage greatly enhanced its historical value. He did not speak at the moment but was reading out what he had written and thus deeply reflected upon, Karassery added.

Writer Sara Joseph termed MT's speech as a sigh of relief. According to the writer, his words should be seriously debated against the backdrop of highhanded pursuits of state and central government. "Those who enjoy supreme power will never go for introspection," she said.  

Writer Paul Zacharia noted that Kerala is a society in clutches of hero worship and MT's words are relevant. Anyone in Kerala can criticize anyone


Writer N.E Sudhir on Facebook posted that MT’s criticisms were accurate and it was clearly directed against the CM and the state government. He wrote that MT told him that he was not criticising but merely stating the facts. He also added that it would be good if this led to some self-reflection.  Writer and critic NS Madhavan also said that MT's words were directed against CPM and the government.