Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Kerala's plight

Sir, — In your Editorial, `A heinous crime' (Jan. 17) you have rightly said that both the CPI (M) and Congress-led Governments failed to cash in on the giant literacy strides and strong social reforms made in Kerala. In fact, the twin factors enabled the first elected ideologically chastened communist Government to be born in the State. They also favoured a heightened political activity to make the State a pioneer in successful coalition experiments in the country. Yet the political leadership failed grossly to emancipate the exploited and oppressed masses from divisive caste and communal forces.

C.R. Narayanan,
Cuddalore, T.N.

Sir, — The Editorial rightly highlighted the whipping up of communal passion and hate campaign against the minorities by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the impact of which results in attacks on Christian missionaries etc. However, while analysing the fragmentation of the social fabric in Kerala, you have committed a vital mistake in equally blaming the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front and the Congress-led United Democratic Front. This is far from the truth. Whatever may be its drawbacks, the CPI(M) is in the forefront of opposing communalism whereas the Congress, especially the Chief Minister, A.K. Antony, is overtly and covertly supporting communal organisations only for gaining strength to oppose the Left. While the social reformer, Sri Narayana Guru, philosophised and endeavoured for a society free from caste and religion, the present SNDP leadership is trying hard for Hindu consolidation with RSS help and, for this purpose, is targeting North Malabar, the CPI(M) stronghold.

Geetha Mohandas,
New Delhi

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Stories in this Section

• Mindless harassment
• A promising start
• Paradigm shift in Sri Lanka?
• Pseudo-secularism — II
• Improving urban water supply through partnership
• Democratic anarchy
• Kerala's plight
• A timely venture
• Breach of trust

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