A recent controversy has erupted in Kerala’s socio-political sphere, following comments made by the respected Malayalam literary figure MT Vasudevan Nair, popularly known as MT, at the Kerala Literary Festival (KLF). The Jnanpeeth Award-winning writer, known for his secular and progressive vision, made a poignant statement about the nature of freedom and its misuse by those in power. This statement, made in the presence of Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, a stalwart of the CPI(M), has sparked a wide-ranging debate on the emergence of personality cults and authoritarian tendencies within the state’s ruling left front.

MT’s comments, which indirectly critiqued the political culture surrounding Vijayan, have resonated with several writers and socio-cultural leaders in Kerala. This response underscores a growing discomfort with the CPI(M)’s drift from its working-class ideology towards what many perceive as hero-worship and intolerance of dissent. Prominent writers like Paul Zacharia and M Mukundan have echoed MT’s concerns, highlighting the party’s transformation into a group of cult-worshippers who are intolerant of criticism.

The situation is further complicated by the CPI(M) leaders and cadres idolizing Vijayan with titles such as “Karanabhoothan” (Omnipotent Creator), “Jwalikkunna Sooryan” (Shining Sun), and “Theeyil Kurutha Kuthira” (Horse Forged in Fire). This idolization is accompanied by an increasing misuse of the police force to suppress dissent, as evidenced by the harsh treatment of protesters waving black flags at the Chief Minister.

These developments are occurring at a time when the CPI(M) is already facing criticism for alleged nepotism, corruption, and a disregard for democratic values. The party’s current state is a far cry from its former image, with Kerala serving as the last bastion of the Left in India after its decline in West Bengal and Tripura.

MT’s critique, therefore, is not just a comment on a singular political figure but a broader indictment of the changing political culture within the CPI(M). It reflects a deep concern for the state’s political health and a call for a return to the party’s ideological roots.

The response to MT’s comments has been varied, with some CPI(M) insiders attributing the current predicament to internal factionalism and a lust for power. Despite these internal criticisms, there seems to be little expectation that the party will embark on a course correction. Political observers and social critics see MT’s warning as having universal relevance, applicable not just to Vijayan but to any leader exhibiting authoritarian traits.

As the controversy unfolds, the CPI(M) finds itself in a difficult position, unable to easily counter the criticism from a cultural icon like MT. His standing in Kerala, backed by a prolific literary career spanning over seven decades, lends significant weight to his words. The debate he has sparked is not just about the cult of personality in politics but also about the broader themes of authoritarianism, freedom, and the role of intellectuals in safeguarding democratic values.

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