The Tamil Nadu CPI(M)’s recent proposal to participate in temple festivals “to counter the dominance of [the] Sangh Parivar in temples and festivals” reminds one of Madan Motcham, a famous short story by Tamil writer Jayamohan. Though branded stridently anti-communist, Jayamohan, in that story, tries to explore how folk deities in Tamil Nadu are appropriated by mainstream Hinduism. This appropriation has benefited Hindutva groups in Kanniyakumari district. In the southern tip of the country, Hindutva groups have become a relatively powerful political force. These groups appropriate ‘smaller’ Gods, who were ignored earlier by the upper castes, but can the comrades turn the tables on Hindutva forces by using similar tactics?
CPI(M) State Secretary K. Balakrishnan’s recent announcement of the party’s plans to enter the temple scene has led to criticism and scepticism. P. Shanmugam, a member of the party State Secretariat, sought to play down the controversy by insisting that there is no “ideological shift”. “Any shift in the ideology will be decided by the All India Congress of the party. The party can think about joining the temple administration to counter Hindutva groups as is the practice in Kerala. The party in West Bengal also actively participates in Durga Puja celebrations. We don’t intend to participate in temple festivals and propagate the ideas of God and religion. We know that 95% of the people are believers, but they can’t be called communal by any yardstick. What is happening is that a minuscule group that is communal is seeking to take advantage of religious beliefs. We have to counter them,” he argued.
Communists are perhaps hoping that the people will realise that they have never hurled abuses at God, religion or the priestly class, unlike the original Dravidian parties. The Dravidian movement, too, has climbed down from its strident denunciation of religion and God over the years. DMK founder C.N. Annadurai famously came up with the slogan, ‘Ondre Kulam, Oruvane Devan (Humanity is one and we have only one God)’. “I do not say that there should not be any temples. I only say that temples should not be the camp of scoundrels,” wrote DMK leader Karunanidhi in the film Parasakthi. He used to take occasional potshots at Hindu deities. But AIADMK founder M.G. Ramachandran did not his keep faith secret: he used to regularly visit the Mookambika temple, for instance. His political heir Jayalalithaa was also quite brazen in flaunting her piety and visiting temples. Karunanidhi’s son, M.K. Stalin, who is now Chief Minister, keeps away from all religious activities but insists that the DMK is not an anti-Hindu party.
Communists have had no need to make such compromises. But they are desperate to stay relevant in today’s age where religious polarisation is stark and pervasive. The entire ‘secular’ opposition seems helpless in the face of the BJP’s growing dominance. The voters at large seem to be willing to ignore other issues when their religious sensibilities are played upon. It is in these circumstances that the CPI(M), anticipating a ‘Hinduisation’ of Tamil Nadu politics too, is seeking to enter the temple arena, particularly the cultural space.
Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam leader Viduthalai Rajendran said that the CPI(M) should reconsider its plan. “Do not play into the hands of the RSS and BJP that have a long association with religion because their politics is nothing but religion. They uphold the caste system and spread irrational beliefs. The Sangh Parivar will go out and say that they have succeeded in making the CPI(M) toe their line,” Mr. Rajendran warned.
Whether the CPI(M) will have enough elbow room in temple activities remains to be seen.
kolappan.b@thehindu.co.in
