The Congress has decided to make the KSU a cadre-based organisation, to help the students arm to become more disciplined and an effective group of youngsters, like the SFI and ABVP.
Published Aug 16, 2024 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 16, 2024 | 9:00 AM
KSU is preparing to establish dedicated student battalions, inspired by the structured approach of organizations like the SFI and DYFI.
The Congress is upbeat after its performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, making it confident of taking on the BJP at the national level.
Though the party had lost one seat to the BJP in Kerala, it managed to win in 18 of the 20 constituencies, fuelling its desire to challenge the CPI(M). It has taken a leaf out of the left party’s strategy book to achieve this aim.
The Kerala Students’ Union (KSU), the students’ wing of the Congress, has been less structured. The Congress has now decided to make the KSU a cadre-based organisation.
This approach, the party believes, would help the students arm to become more disciplined and an effective group of youngsters, like the SFI and ABVP.
The major shift is part of the Congress’s plan to strengthen its grassroots-level presence and political impact. It expects the change would make the KSU and the party more organised and influential in the political landscape.
According to political pundits, the shift has raised questions about the future direction of the Congress. Historically, the Congress has prided itself on a democratic and inclusive approach, distinguishing itself from more rigidly structured parties like the BJP and CPI(M), which operate on a defined cadre-based system.
If Congress adopts a similar cadre system, it would signify a significant transformation in its organisational strategy. Such a change could potentially enhance the party’s efficiency and grassroots mobilisation, aligning it with the operational models of its more centralised counterparts.
However, this move would also challenge the party’s foundational principles of democratic decentralisation, requiring a careful balance to preserve its core values while embracing new methodologies to stay relevant and competitive in the evolving political landscape.
On 30 August 2021, KPCC president K. Sudhakaran proposed transitioning the Congress party to a ‘semi-cadre’ organisation. Sudhakaran’s suggestion to shift towards a semi-cadre structure has sparked debate due to the term’s ambiguity.
‘’It might mean that only a subset of party workers will be designated as cadres or that a fraction of the membership will hold cadre status,’ CPI(M) scoffed on 22 November 2021. His comment underscored the confusion and inconsistency surrounding the concept.
Political experts, such as D Dhanuraj from the Centre for Public Policy Research, were critical of this change. “Even the CPI(M) struggles to maintain its cadre structure. I fail to understand why the Congress in Kerala is inclined towards such outdated concepts. Transforming the Congress into a monolithic cadre party like the CPI(M) is likely to be more detrimental than beneficial,” Dhanuraj opined.
According to Congress internal reports, the KSU is preparing to establish dedicated student battalions, inspired by the structured approach of organisations like the SFI and DYFI. This move, motivated by the urgent need for organised action in crises such as the recent landslide in Wayanad, aims to enhance student involvement in critical community services.
These battalions will be distinguished by their unique uniforms and will operate in a manner similar to the SFI and DYFI. Their activities will include participation in blood donation drives, free meal distribution at government hospitals, and other essential services.
“The cadre system is essential because the Congress is fighting the BJP at the national level and the CPI(M) in Kerala. Both are cadre-based parties. The IUML already has a cadre nature,” KSU president Alosious Xavier told South First.
“If a cadre system is not implemented within the party, it will affect the organisational strength and leadership. Discipline is foremost because, as a democratic organisation, Congress allows anyone to say anything, even to the public and media. This should change. Internal opposition within the party needs to be handled like the BJP and CPI(M),” he explained.
He added that the student organisation being the foundation, develops the next generation of leaders. “So discipline is needed to fight effectively. We hope that the cadre nature will bring positive changes. The initial committee of the Students’ Battalion will be established at the state level. Subsequently, district committees will be created in the second phase. The final phase will involve setting up units on individual campuses. Comprehensive training and classes will be offered to all members,” he said.
The KSU started its Campus Jodo campaign last year. It aims to connect all campuses in the state.
“After 30 years, KSU is conducting student camps. It has already taken place at Calicut University and will be held at the Law College on Saturday. MG University Campus Jodo, Kannur University Campus Jodo, and others will also be conducted,” Xavier said.
“Additionally, we are restarting the Kalasala magazine. For the past 30 years, Kalasala, KSU’s mouthpiece, has been published as occasional special editions. Now onwards, it will be published monthly,” he said.
KSU’s Kottayam district general secretary Aswin Sabu Abraham, however, is unaware of the student’s battalions.
“We have not been informed about setting up a students’ battalion. However, the high command has instructed us to be active in social and charity activities. We have established several cells as a first step towards a cadre system, including cells for blood donation, media coordination, voluntary services, and transportation. Additionally, KSU leaders from each assembly constituency have been given specific instructions to work according to local political conditions,” he said.
In the second phase, college unit responsibilities will be assigned to KSU leaders.
“In Kottayam, we are fully equipped to handle any changes and are even considering students from management colleges, where there is no campus politics. The KSU will also advocate for those students,” he added.
Unlike Abraham, Kannur district president MC Athul is aware of the students battalions. “We are forming a Blue Battalion, which will have 100 students. We plan to bring in experts to provide the students classes in emergency rescue and social activities,” he told South First.
“These Blue Battalion members are willing to go anywhere their services are needed. This is the first part. On the 25 and 26, August, the Kannur KSU camp will be held, where we will officially announce the Blue Battalion volunteers list,” he explained.
“I hope this cadre system will benefit KSU. Regular meetings and coordination will strengthen the organisation. A systematic approach with a definite aim is essential. Currently, in some places, KSU committees are inactive. They don’t conduct meetings. Their presence itself is not felt. By bringing a cadre culture similar to that of the SFI, this scenario will change. A leader is essential to lead, as we know a mob cannot make revolutions. A timeline is needed for better organisation,” he said.
Athul said the change is not aimed at the 2026 Assembly elections alone. “However, when a student organisation becomes active, they will raise their voices against the CPI(M) government’s unethical practices, which may reflect in the elections as well,” he said.
Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan the change will be confined to the KSU. It doesn’t mean that the Congress will adapt to a change soon. It will be discussed in detail, and then we will make a comment on it,” he told South First.
(Edited by Majnu Babu)
(South First is now on WhatsApp and Telegram)
