CPM clarifies that belief is personal, not political

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While acknowledging the alarming rise of powerful right-wing politics in Kerala, the CPM state committee urged party leaders and members to take a softer approach while dealing with the public, especially when it comes to their religious sentiments.
At a news conference, CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said that party leaders and members need not insist that the public and party sympathisers must fully-subscribe to party ideologies and positions.“Party workers need not keep away from religious festivals. This has ever been our approach, but enemies of the party have a contrary view. Party discipline is applicable only to party leaders and members,” he said, adding that the party must resist Sangh Parivar’s forces that are tightening their grip on religious centres.
However, Balakrishnan did not elaborate on this move when the party is not ready to relax its restrictions on leaders and members holding important posts in religious institutions. He added that ‘necessary’ exemptions have been given to party members as in the case of devaswom board president and members.
Balakrishnan, who stopped short of terming the party stand on Sabarimala women entry as regrettable, said it was the accusation put up by right-wing outfits that put CPM and LDF government in a spot.
“CPM and government did not bring women devotees to Sabarimala. It is true that being a progressive organization we welcomed the SC verdict. Even Congress, BJP and RSS had done that. We stood by our opinion while others changed theirs. We still stand by our opinion. That doesn’t mean that we forced the whole issue. Even BJP government at the Centre now shares our view that only SC can settle the issue,” he said.
Balakrishnan said the state committee noted the rising religious fundamentalism involving majority as well as minority communities in Kerala. Party needs to wake up to the fact that right-wing ideologies are getting more acceptance globally and it should resist the same by getting closer to the people and earning their trust. The ideological awareness of party workers should be enhanced consistently.
“Party men should not be intolerant towards those who don’t agree with our opinions. Rather than trying to settle a dispute themselves, they should recommend legal recourse. Party should not act as a power centre. Even if party leaders are convinced about justice, they should not try to settle the issue by rejecting other claims. Peace should be the focus at such junctures. Opposing forces should be persuaded to settle disputes in court,” he said.
The state committee will be more open to environmental issues and discuss without prejudice sustainable development models. The government has been told to set up a committee to study and suggest practical steps towards adopting green construction practices. Opposition parties should also be taken into confidence, he said.