CPI(M) State executive member K Kanagaraj has strongly denounced Senior journalist Mani for his recent commentary on the Kerala elections and his critique of the prominent parties CPI and CPM, sparking another round of controversy.
In a recent interview with Tamil Mint’s YouTube channel, journalist Mani discussed the performance of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPM, in the parliamentary elections. He noted that out of 534 constituencies, the CPM only secured three seats, two from Tamil Nadu and one from Kerala. Moreover, out of the 20 seats contested in Kerala, they won just one, garnering a mere 1.75% of the vote share in the previous election. Mani emphasized the significance of the upcoming elections, stating that it is crucial for the CPM to secure at least 11 seats to gain national recognition, or they risk facing setbacks. He highlighted the consequences of failing to meet this threshold, noting that the party may lose its status and symbols according to the Election Commission’s regulations. Once dominant in states like West Bengal, Tripura, and Kerala, the CPM’s influence has dwindled, now primarily confined to Kerala like a chiefdom. Mani also mentioned the party’s opposition to Rahul Gandhi’s candidacy in the Wayanad constituency, as it signifies the CPM’s limited potential for electoral gains beyond Kerala, reducing it to a regional entity.
He went on to criticize the CPM, highlighting an internal conflict between the Congress and CPM in Kerala. He expressed that it’s natural for national parties to have varying stances from state to state, but he found it concerning that their stance could change from within a constituency. As an example, he pointed out that while CPM supports a candidate in the Puducherry mainland, it opposes Congress in the Kerala part of Puducherry, specifically in Mahe. He described this inconsistency as a mockery, suggesting that while their speeches may sound promising, their actions reveal them to be hypocritical. Mani said, “A person can speak only with his mouth, but what if he speaks with nine holes, that is CPM. Speech will be terrible. If you say this, friends (Thozhars) will get angry, How is that?
It is understandable if you are hugging Congress in Bengal and stabbing in Kerala. But here in Puducherry the elections are going on simultaneously, in a gap of a week, (you) support Congress in Puducherry adjoining Tamil Nadu, support in Yanam adjoining Andhra and oppose in Mahe adjoining Kerala.”
He also censured the implicit alliance between the CPM and BJP during the 1980s, highlighting their recent collaboration and citing a report from The Hindu newspaper which disclosed a meeting between a CPM party official and the BJP in Kerala. He questioned the rationale behind such a meeting given the historical animosity between the two parties, suggesting that the CPM has devolved into a factional power struggle where prioritizing the defense of the state is deemed sufficient, resulting in its decline. He expressed concern that the CPM might not hesitate to form alliances with the BJP if it perceives the Congress as its sole adversary in the state, albeit through subtle means, now currently they are reflecting the worlds coined by BJP. Later, he remarked that the Left has been eradicated from India and reduced to a mere pressure groups.
In response to the criticism leveled by journalist Mani, the CPM, known for advocating tolerance to criticism and consistently denouncing BJP fascism while championing freedom of expression, now finds itself at the receiving end of severe criticism because of State executive member K. Kanagaraj. As the interview commenced, Kanagaraj asserted that the journalist, Mani, did not adhere to the standards expected of a professional in the field, adding that he could adopt a similar manner of speaking if he chose to do so and stated, “Why all the cavities for Mani is blocked, I’m thinking to ask is all the nerves going to the brain are damaged?” Then he refuted Mani’s criticism alleging that the CPM adopted a tone reminiscent of the BJP, as it was actually the Congress leader who initiated the issue. Therefore, if Mani is solely focusing on criticizing the communists while ignoring the Congress, it demonstrates his strong hostility towards us. My point is, Mani’s criticism is one-sided. You shouldn’t act as though people perceive you as a mere mouthpiece, only speaking for personal gain. It’s important to communicate respectfully and effectively. Kanagaraj came out sharply stating, “You should not talk like this after selling your mouth for rent”
Criticism is being directed at CPM and its State executive member K Kanagaraj by internet users for stifling journalistic viewpoints. The tone adopted by CPM is perceived as threatening and suppressive toward critics. And the State Secretary of the Tamilnadu BJP SG Suryah has also denounced this action, expressing dismay stated, “FASCISM. Journalist Mani criticises #BJP every day. But we never threatened him. A non-existent entity like CPM has the temerity to threaten a senior journalist like this? Where are the Journalist Associations? Wouldn’t they have jumped by now had it been by a BJP Leader?”
FASCISM. Journalist Mani criticises #BJP every day. But we never threatened him.
A non-existent entity like CPM has the temerity to threaten a senior journalist like this?
Where are the Journalist Associations? Wouldn’t they have jumped by now had it been by a BJP Leader? https://t.co/na9b7vDJdL
— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) April 29, 2024
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