The News Minute recently published an opinion piece by a Binu Karunakaran on the Maha Magha festival that concluded recently.
In the piece, Karunakaran calls Tirunavaya’s Maha Magha Mahotsavam a “saffron script” and “political theatre of Hindutva,” warning it will morph into a full Kumbh Mela to polarize Kerala ahead of 2028 elections.
But read between the lines, this is peak pseudo-secular hypocrisy from a Left-leaning outlet that stays silent when other religions dominate public spaces with fanfare. Let’s call it out with facts they conveniently ignore.
“Thankfully Ignored by Secular Politicians” – Except When It’s Convenient
Karunakaran pats the Left and Congress on the back: “Thankfully… ignored by secular politicians… None trooped for photo-ops.” Really? Where was this “secular vigilance” when Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan hosted lavish Christmas-New Year feasts at Cliff House, complete with carols and cakes? Or when Thiruvananthapuram airport shuts down runways for Hindu Padmanabhaswamy Temple processions, yet TNM never cries “political theatre” or “Brahminic rituals dominating public infrastructure.” Selective silence?
“Divisive Fear-Mongering Targeting Muslims” – But Christmas Processions Are Fine?
He quotes ABAP’s shop restrictions at Prayagraj Kumbh as “normal divisive rhetoric,” and Tirunavaya swami warning Hindus about Malappuram’s demographics: “Our future should not be like Bangladesh.” Alarmist? Sure. But TNM ignores massive Christmas street prayers blocking roads in Trivandrum, Palayam Cathedral masses drawing thousands (non-Christians included), or Kerala churches voicing “concern” over “attacks elsewhere” while demanding unrestricted celebrations. Why no “Christian political theatre” label when Cardinal Cleemis calls for “free celebration without fear”?
“Brahminic Rituals” vs. “Subaltern Space” – Where’s the Outrage for Eid/Christmas Dominance?
TNM frets over “high importance to Brahminic priestly rituals” at Tirunavaya while “esoteric practices” get space. Yet Malappuram’s Kondotty Nercha (Muslim festival) turns into a “carnival” with trade fairs, no “fear-mongering” scrutiny. Airports like Kannur have prayer rooms (Muslim/Christian focus) – no “desperate revenue source” cries. And Kerala schools canceling Christmas under pressure? TNM reports it neutrally, but Hindu revival is “sentiment manipulation.”
Kumbh as “Political Theatre”? Try Mamankam Revival as Cultural Pride
Mamankam was always ritual-trade-power nexus on Bharathapuzha-Zamorin coronations, Kalaripayattu, diverse traders (Muslims included). Reviving it as “Kerala’s Kumbh” celebrates Hindu roots in Muslim-majority Malappuram—peaceful, lakhs attended, no riots. TNM’s own “Let Me Explain” calls it “plural past reshaped”, but that’s evolution, not “desperate measures.” Compare to TNM ignoring RSS “Ganageetham” pressure canceling Christmas in post offices.
Bottom Line: RW Revival Triggers TNM’s Instincts – Left/Islam/Christian Dominance Doesn’t
TNM’s “history demands caution” is code for “Hindu assertion bad.” They amplify swami quotes on Pakistan/Bangladesh while silent on church demands or street Eid fairs. Kerala’s secularism thrives because Hindus don’t riot over Christmas airports or Ramzan feasts, yet TNM pathologizes Juna Akhada’s expansion as “militant.” Hypocrisy exposed: When Hindus reclaim their riverbanks, it’s “theatre.” When others block roads/airports, it’s “culture.” Wake up, TNM, Kerala’s pluralism works because Hindus prioritize harmony, not hegemony.
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