At a time when Rahul Gandhi is main the Bharat Jodo Yatra with a stridently anti-RSS message, the Congress in Kerala finds itself on the flawed foot over two successive statements by its state chief Ok Sudhakaran which can be being learn as pro-Sangh.
Sudhakaran, a Lok Sabha MP, was making an attempt to attain some factors towards the ruling CPI(M) – the Congress’s principal opposition in Kerala – by projecting it as the larger enemy. Nonetheless, within the course of, he has hit self objectives towards the Congress, at a time when it’s making an attempt to carry on to ally IUML.
First, on November 2, Sudhakaran claimed to have offered safety to RSS shakhas in Kerala within the face of threats from Communists in house district Kannur, throughout his days within the Congress (Organisation), 50 years again. On Monday, attending a celebration operate in Kannur, Sudhakaran stated first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru was “magnanimous” sufficient to induct RSS chief Syama Prasad Mookerjee as a minister in his Cupboard, lauding this “large-heartedness to even compromise with Communal fascism”.
The CPI(M) seized on the remarks as proof of Sudhakaran being “anti-minority”, and requested the IUML to think about whether or not it ought to proceed with the Congress. CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan claimed Sudhakaran had truly sided with those that had vandalised mosques through the Thalasseri communal riots of 1971.
The BJP was as fast on the uptake, with state president Ok Surendran saying: “It is extremely clear that Sudhakaran’s thoughts is with the BJP. Many Congress leaders share his views. They’re going through uncertainty as a result of clout the IUML wields within the Congress and UDF. We’re prepared to offer protection to such Congress leaders,’’ he stated. On the IUML, Surendran stated that it was anyway planning to maneuver to the CPI(M)-led LDF, and would use this as an excuse to take action.
The IUML, which has been weighing its choices because the CPI(M) emerges as the principle voice towards Hindutva politics in Kerala, has additionally refused to let the Congress off the hook. The social gathering warned that remarks similar to these by Sudhakaran might have an effect on the unity of the Congress-led UDF coalition. IUML chief M Ok Muneer reminded Sudharakan of Rahul Gandhi’s assertion that “anybody with RSS mentality ought to depart the Congress”.
Nonetheless, the Congress is caught in a bind. Slated to debate the problem on Wednesday, it’s unlikely to demand any motion towards Sudhakaran over the problem, as that might be construed as proof of the IUML calling the pictures in social gathering. The BJP already accuses the Congress of appeasement politics, thus steadily growing its personal assist base amongst Hindus within the state.
Even the timing couldn’t be worse for the Congress. The CPI(M) is presently on the conflict path towards Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, having constructed its authorities’s combat towards him as one towards the saffronisation of upper schooling. The Congress fears dropping each methods on this – if it sides with the motion towards the Governor, it will be going with bitter rival CPM; if it goes towards the motion, it might be painted by its rivals as pro-RSS. UDF allies just like the IUML and RSP have earlier referred to as for not supporting Khan in any manner.
In the meantime, say some Congress leaders, they’ve misplaced a golden alternative to place the shoe on the CPI(M)’s foot, by elevating the current CPI(M)-BJP alliance in cooperative polls in West Bengal.