The Democratic Movement of Kerala is not a political party but a social movement. Its potential to alter the political landscape of Kerala has made political observers curious.
Published Oct 07, 2024 | 9:06 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 07, 2024 | 2:05 PM
The red and black flags, wet and heavy in the downpour, stood still even as the air crackled with a mix of excitement and tension. The low-hanging dark clouds added to the anticipation, as thousands of followers kept shouting inquilab zindabad, their voices melding into a booming chorus.
The much-anticipated moment came as Independent MLA PV Anvar stepped onto the stage at Jaseela Junction in Malappuram’s Manjeri. It was a moment political Kerala has been waiting for the past few days, ever since the Nilambur MLA raised the banner of revolt against the ruling CPI(M).
Anwar’s ride to the political centre stage was unexpected and sudden. His direct criticism of the chief minister, the all-powerful Pinarayi Vijayan, has put him in the limelight, his each step being followed, and each word heard with rapt attention.
Hundreds of cameras clicked incessantly as Anvar entered the dais on Sunday, 6 October, evening. Continuous flashes resembled lightning as a thunderous roar erupted from the audience.
The stage has been set. Anvar looked pleased by the reception, moments before he announced the launch of his Democratic Movement of Kerala, the DMK.
Anvar’s DMK is not a political party but a social movement. Its potential to alter the political landscape of Kerala has sparked significant curiosity and anticipation among the state’s political observers.
This raises many questions, including how the DMK will reshape the political equations in Kerala and its possible cooperation with Tamil Nadu’s more famous DMK.
Hamsa Parakkatt, former district president of the Indian Union Muslim League in Ernakulam, set the tone for the meeting. His welcome address emphasized key issues such as policing in Kerala, man vs wild conflict, rising health risks, and the allocation of funds from the central government.
Following Parakkatt’s address, the DMK declared its policies. The primary focus was on safeguarding the state’s secularism. The DMK aimed to uphold individuals’ rights to faith and worship, alongside other rights outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution, it said.
During the policy detailing, the DMK noted that since 1973, India had been ruled by the same political parties, leading to damage in institutions such as the judiciary and media. The party highlighted the necessity for greater transparency in policing and stressed that police officers involved in criminal activities should be held accountable.
The policy statement included:
The DMK advocated more effective policies in various sectors, including healthcare, banking, women’s justice, tourism, and sports. It emphasized that institutions like Sabarimala and the Waqf Board should be managed by individuals from their respective religions.
Additionally, the party called for stricter regulations on social media.
Anvar began his speech by expressing gratitude to the people gathered in Manjeri, including DMK workers, who he said came from Tamil Nadu.
“I noticed some crucial issues that the government should clarify to the public and fought for them. Everyone wondered how an independent MLA from the ruling party could openly express these concerns. However, regardless of being in the ruling or opposition party, it is the duty of an MLA,” he said.
He then raised significant concerns regarding the Karipur gold smuggling controversies, specifically mentioning the involvement of ADGP MR Ajithkumar and the chief minister’s political secretary P Sasi.
Anvar also urged the government to look into the disruption of Thrissur Pooram, which he claimed, contributed to the BJP winning a Lok Sabha seat for the first time in Kerala.
Despite requests for clarification from the CPI and the public regarding the Pooram disruption, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has not taken valid action against the ADGP, the MLA said. Anvar reiterated his criticisms of the ADGP, echoing allegations he had made previously.
Anvar made a bold statement, declaring that the DMK is the “most democratic party in India that is fighting against BJP”.
He shared his recent experience meeting DMK leaders in Chennai. “Should I go to the RSS office instead of the DMK office,” he asked. The question was met with a huge round of applause from the crowd. He later discovered that a high-ranking official from the Kerala Chief Minister’s Office had flown to Chennai to persuade DMK chief MK Stalin to issue a statement against him.
He highlighted the BJP’s fight in Tamil Nadu. “In Tamil Nadu’s previous local body elections, the BJP fell behind NOTA, despite having a 70 to 75 percent Hindu population. I need strong support. That’s why I met with DMK leaders.”
“Tamil Nadu has 40 MP seats. In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the DMK allocated nine seats to Congress and two to the CPI(M). The CPI(M) requested the Coimbatore seat but it was not allocated by DMK. BJP’s K. Annamalai contested from Coimbatore.
Anvar noted that Amit Shah and Narendra Modi campaigned tirelessly in Tamil Nadu, hoping to secure at least one Lok Sabha seat.
“What did Stalin do? The DMK took the Coimbatore seat and gave the Dindigul seat to the CPI(M). Ultimately, the DMK defeated Annamalai in Coimbatore,” Anvar stated.
In contrast, he criticised the CPI(M) in Kerala. “Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan facilitated everything to favour the BJP, which ultimately led to the BJP having a foothold in Kerala. The ADGP camped in Thrissur for two months.”
Anvar posed the question, “So, whom should I meet—Stalin or Pinarayi? I met with Stalin and explained my stand.”
He concluded by stating that in the upcoming Palakkad bypolls, “the BJP will win. The deal is already fixed. In Chelakkara, the BJP will favour the CPI(M).”
He emphasized that the democratic movement in Kerala is not a political party and vowed to “fight for justice until death”.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
