Leader worship, once an alien concept in the Communist parties, is now increasingly prevalent in the CPI(M).
Published Jan 16, 2025 | 6:00 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 18, 2025 | 3:01 PM
In the past, during his tenure as the party secretary, he sharply opposed the worship of Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan.
‘’Karayatha Gouri, Thalaratha Gouri
Kalikond Ninnaal, Aval Bhadrakaali’’
(Gouri doesn’t cry, Gouri won’t be tired. When angry, she is Bhadrakaali)
These iconic lyrics, cherished across generations, stem from the Left movement era. They celebrate a woman who led struggles and bore immense hardships for her party and people — KR Gouri Amma, the Revenue Minister in the first-ever Kerala government, under EMS Namboodiripad.
Leader worship is not a new phenomenon within the Communist Parties in Kerala, but it has historically been distinct from Congress traditions.
In Kerala, Congress leaders were addressed by followers using names that reflected a culture of personality-driven politics, such as the title “Leader” given to former chief minister K Karunakaran.
Conversely, the Communist Parties upheld the egalitarian practice of addressing everyone, from the chief minister to the grassroots cadre, as “comrades,” ensuring no hierarchical distinction in titles.
Even after the Communist Party of India was bifurcated to form the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in 1964, this practice continued.
However, this ethos seems transformed during the Pinarayi Vijayan era of the CPI(M). Leader worship, once an alien concept in the Communist parties, is now increasingly prevalent in the CPI(M).
The trend gained traction with the release of the much-discussed song Karana Bhuthan, glorifying Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Now, another anthem, Chembadaykku Kavalal (The Guard of the Red Army), has emerged, reinforcing this shift in the party’s culture.
The fresh song celebrating Vijayan is set to be performed by around 100 women employees during the inauguration of the Golden Jubilee building of the Kerala Secretariat Employees Association, affiliated with the CPI(M).
The song, written by Poovathur Chitrasenan, an employee in the Finance Minister’s office, was composed by Vimal, the Assistant Secretary in the Law Department. The Secretariat Association, led by its president P Honey, is organising the inaugural ceremony of the Golden Jubilee building. Honey’s faction has the backing of the chief minister, unlike the opposing group.
“Our plan is to present a poem penned by a Secretariat staff member about the chief minister, with a performance by a hundred singers,” Honey shared.
The song, which opens with lines praising the chief minister as a fearless leader guiding Kerala with the red flag aloft, has already triggered discussions on social media ahead of the event.
The latest song highlights Vijayan’s resilience during personal and political struggles, referencing his hardships during the Emergency and his role in leading the state through crises. It also lauds his unwavering leadership during natural calamities and health emergencies, portraying him as a steadfast warrior ensuring Kerala’s safety.
The group song opens with the line, “Pinarayi Vijayan, a courageous leader in the face of struggles, stands as a commander alongside his comrades in battle.” It also describes Pinarayi as a “Phoenix who rose from a life of immense sacrifice.”
Here is a translation of the Malayalam song
Pinarayi Vijayan, a resolute leader of relentless struggles,
Stands as the commander who fights alongside his people.
In the fields of paddy, estates, and coconut plantations,
He toppled the old feudal system, turning them into hubs of labor.The same hands that once tended to his father,
Striving to keep hunger at bay,
Now steer the course of governance.Under his guidance, this land triumphed over the challenges of Corona and Nipah,
And offered comfort during the devastating floods, rains, and landslides.
He also spearheaded initiatives that serve the people,
Ensuring their security and well-being throughout their lives.
CM Pinarayi Vijayan addressed the controversy surrounding the song in a press conference held on January 15th at 5 PM.
Meanwhile, Vijayan addressed the controversy surrounding the song in a press conference held on 15 January.
Responding to questions regarding the emerging leader worship cult, he stated, “In the face of criticism, receiving some praise isn’t a significant matter. Some individuals have made it a habit to place all the blame on me, and naturally, they might feel uneasy about the support I am receiving. However, that’s beyond our control.”
“I haven’t heard the song myself, but I understand that certain people are deeply disappointed. They’re surprised that some sections of the public are showing support for me. These individuals are upset because their agenda isn’t resonating with the people,” he added.
“It’s important to note that no leader in the CPI(M) would ever promote a personality cult. No one will gain favour through such sycophantic behaviour. This reflects our stance.” he said.
However, Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly VD Satheesan sharply criticised the song, mocking both the chief minister and the CPI(M) for their involvement.
He remarked, “If someone were to write about me like this, I would run away.”
Satheesan further pointed out that this growing trend of leader worship reflects the unfortunate downfall of the CPI(M), which seems to be endorsing a monarchy.
Boards portraying Pinarayi Vijayan as Arjuna and P. Jayarajan as Sree Krishna in Kannur’s Thalap area also sparked considerable criticism.
Pinarayi Vijayan, who had once strongly criticised the trend of leader worship within the CPI(M), now seems to be endorsing or at least tolerating it.
In the past, during his tenure as the party secretary, he sharply opposed the worship of the then-chief minister VS Achuthanandan.
However, after Vijayan became the chief minister, the cult following surrounding him became more apparent.
During the last Assembly election campaign, the CPI(M)’s mouthpiece, Desabhimani, referred to Pinarayi Vijayan as the “Captain” in large letters, a depiction that the chief minister did not object to.
Later, then-LDF convenor EP Jayarajan stated that there was nothing wrong with songs or films celebrating leaders admired by the people, making the idea seem quite natural.
It is to be noted that the CPI(M) had previously censured the “P. Jayarajan Army” (PJ Army), especially when songs and campaigns in Kannur began to elevate him.
The state committee intervened back then, and Jayarajan faced criticism. After the song sparked controversy, the district committee launched an inquiry, which cleared Jayarajan of any intentional attempts to create a personality cult.
Despite this, the appearance of posts in praise of Jayarajan under the name PJ Army caused further issues for the party. Eventually, the page name was changed to Red Army. Boards portraying Pinarayi Vijayan as Arjuna and P.\ Jayarajan as Sree Krishna in Kannur’s Thalap area also sparked considerable criticism.
The videosong on Pinarayi Vijayan
This isn’t the first time a musical tribute to Vijayan has sparked controversy. Three years ago, a Thiruvathira performance during the CPI(M) Thiruvananthapuram district conference, featuring the controversial song “Karana Bhuthan,” sparked debates about growing individual glorification within the party.
When the CPI(M) Thiruvananthapuram district committee requested a song for a grand Thiruvathira, a traditional dance performed by women, to be featured at their district conference, it was written by KVV Namboothiri.
In the song, he referred to Pinarayi Vijayan as “Karana Bhuthan.” Subsequently, Namboothiri expressed his sorrow over the ensuing controversy, clarifying that no party leader had instructed him to remove Vijayan’s name from the lyrics.
A video song titled “Kerala CM,” which praises Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan gained significant attention on social media during the first week of January last year.
The Malayalam track, lasting over eight minutes, celebrates Vijayan as an “undefeated leader,” a “phoenix emerging from the ashes,” and a “tree standing firm on its own.”
This release followed a statement by CPI(M) leader and Cooperation Minister VN Vasavan, who had earlier referred to Vijayan as “God’s gift” at the ‘Nava Kerala Sadas,’ a government-led mass outreach event.
The irony in the minister’s statement is in the name of the party itself; Marxism views religion, including the idea of God, as a social construct used historically to maintain the status quo and reinforce class structures.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
