Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s recent remarks at the inauguration of the 92nd Sivagiri Pilgrimage in Varkala have sparked intense debate.
Published Jan 05, 2025 | 12:11 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 05, 2025 | 12:11 PM
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. (X)
The CPI(M) appears to be recalibrating its political strategy in Kerala, aiming to balance its ideological commitments with the evolving dynamics of voter sentiment.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s recent remarks at the inauguration of the 92nd Sivagiri Pilgrimage in Varkala have sparked intense debate, particularly his criticism of attempts to portray Sree Narayana Guru as a proponent of Sanatana Dharma.
His remarks have since sparked sharp criticism, especially from the BJP and the Congress, amidst allegations that the CPI(M) is making a calculated shift in its political strategies to woo Hindu voters while targeting Muslim organisations.
Pinarayi Vijayan at Sivagiri.
Vijayan’s remarks equated Sanatana Dharma with Varnashrama Dharma (Caste system), accusing both of perpetuating caste hierarchies and denying upward mobility to marginalised communities.
He said Sanatana Dharma imposed rigid, divinely ordained duties, celebrated Brahminical dominance, and upheld a caste-based social order that oppressed Dalits, backward classes, and minorities.
He accused the ideology of enjoying political and administrative patronage that enables oppression in rural northern India.
In his defence of Sree Narayana Guru’s reformist message, Vijayan asserted that Guru challenged the core tenets of Sanatana Dharma, rejecting its rigid caste-based restrictions.
The chief minister also backed Sivagiri Mutt’s recent call to end the practice of devotees removing their shirts before entering temples, labelling it anachronistic and misaligned with modern progressive values.
BJP leader and former Union minister V Muraleedharan accused Vijayan of “insulting Sanatana Dharma at its heartland,” claiming the Chief Minister had alienated Sree Narayana Guru’s followers, many of whom had gathered for the pilgrimage.
Muraleedharan alleged the remarks were a calculated move to undermine Hindu culture for political gain.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan contested Vijayan’s interpretation of Sanatana Dharma, stating it represents the collective culture of India and promotes universal welfare.
Satheesan accused Vijayan of attempting to “patent” Sanatana Dharma to the Sangh Parivar, arguing the philosophy belongs to all Indians, not just one political group.
Vijayan’s remarks come against the backdrop of increasing speculation that the CPI(M) is shifting its stance to consolidate Hindu votes, particularly those of the Ezhava community, which has traditionally been a CPI(M) stronghold.
Political commentator NM Pearson noted, “The CPI(M) is shedding its soft stance on Muslim organisations socially and politically. This is evident in recent statements targeting the IUML (Indian Union Muslim League) and linking the SDPI (Social Democratic Party of India) and Jamaat-e-Islami with radical elements.”
Pearson also remarked to South First that Vijayan’s remarks on Sanatana Dharma were a calculated move.
“Through this, the chief minister aims to attract the Ezhava voter base. At the same time, the party is keen to counter the Sangh Parivar’s attempt to hijack Hindutva, presenting itself as a progressive alternative,” he said.
Joseph C Mathew, another political analyst, believes the CPI(M)’s recent moves reflect a broader strategy but also hint at internal confusion.
“The CPI(M) is trying to build a secular image while consolidating Hindu votes by sharply criticising Muslim fundamentalists. Vijayan’s stance at Sivagiri aligns with this strategy, but the remarks on Sanatana Dharma and the shirt controversy could backfire. Right-wing forces have already begun framing this as an attack on Hindu traditions,” Mathew said to South First.
Mathew added, “At the same time, the party is also wary of the erosion of Ezhava votes to the BJP. Vijayan’s Sivagiri speech is a deliberate attempt to appeal to the Ezhava community on a platform deeply rooted in their socio-religious identity. However, the problem is whether such sensitive remarks were necessary at this time.”
Within the CPI(M), there is a growing acknowledgement of the rightward drift of the Ezhava vote base.
CPI(M) Secretary MV Govindan recently admitted this drift, during post-Lok Sabha election result analysis, attributing it to the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam leadership’s rejection of Sree Narayana Guru’s inclusive philosophy.
Govindan urged progressives within the SNDP Yogam to resist the Sangh Parivar’s retrogressive and casteist influence, which he said threatens to undermine Kerala’s progressive and renaissance values.
A senior CPI(M) leader echoed this sentiment to South First, stating, “Protecting and strengthening the Ezhava vote base is a top priority for the party. The Chief Minister’s speech at Sivagiri, emphasizing Sree Narayana Guru’s opposition to Sanatana Dharma, was aimed at achieving this objective.”
The SNDP, established in 1903, is often seen as the voice representing the Ezhava community in Kerala.
The CPI(M)’s recent rhetoric targeting Muslim organisations and repositioning itself on Hindu issues has sparked allegations of a tilt toward the Hindutva fold.
Vijayan’s criticism of the IUML’s perceived alliance with radical groups, coupled with the alleged controversial remarks linking gold smuggling cases to Malappuram, has fueled speculation about the party’s attempts to attract Hindu voters.
Pearson believes this shift is tactical rather than ideological.
“The CPI(M) recognises that its traditional approach of countering both majority and minority communalism has not yielded results in recent elections. The party is now recalibrating to shed its ‘pro-Muslim’ tag and present itself as a viable option for disillusioned Hindu voters,” he said.
The chief minister’s endorsement of Sivagiri Mutt’s call to end the shirt-removal tradition at temples has added another layer to the controversy.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at Sivagiri
While progressive circles have lauded the move as reflective of Sree Narayana Guru’s reformist legacy, critics, particularly from the BJP, have framed it as an affront to Hindu customs.
Mathew noted, “Common people might not delve deep into such issues, but the right-wing forces are already campaigning that the chief minister mocked Hindu practices. This could create an unintended backlash, undermining the party’s efforts to consolidate Hindu votes.”
As the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections approach, the CPI(M) faces a delicate balancing act.
On one hand, it must counter the Sangh Parivar’s narrative and defend Kerala’s secular and progressive ethos.
On the other, it seeks to protect its traditional vote banks while addressing the perception of being soft on Muslim organisations and the loosening grip on the Hindu vote base, especially Ezhavas and Nairs.
“The party’s established stance is to counter both majority and minority communalism,” Pearson said.
“But given the political realities, it is now treading a fine line between consolidating Hindu votes and maintaining its secular credentials. The remarks at Sivagiri reflect this balancing act,” he added.
Whether this strategy will resonate with voters or backfire remains to be seen.
For now, Vijayan’s remarks have reignited debates about Sanatana Dharma, caste, religion, and politics in Kerala, with the CPI(M) striving to hold its ground in a rapidly shifting political landscape.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
