CPI(M) Kerala secretary MV Govindan described the Delhi students’ agitation as ‘historic’ and said it forced Modi-Shah to back down. He accused the Kerala government of being associated with Sangh Parivar politics for not taking action against the RSS ideologue.
Speaking to reporters, Govindan said, “The Delhi protests have opened a new chapter. It has become a historic movement that forced Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to back down. Even the intervention of the Supreme Court has strengthened the confidence of those who believe in democracy.” The comments come in the backdrop of weeks-long protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The protests were ended in “goodwill” following assurances from the Center and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Questions on police action and media coverage
Govindan also alleged that the police response to the protests was “excessive”. “At many places, the protests were met with excessive force, even using AK-47 rifles against students. This is the first time I have heard of the use of chilli bombs. Highly powerful chilli agents were used against the protesters,” he said.
Govindan also took aim at the Kerala media coverage of the protests and argued that the contributions of Left-affiliated student groups were sidelined. He said, “CJP described leftist student organizations as the soul of the movement. However, the Malayalam media completely ignored the presence and role of the leftists in the protests. This only reinforces the right-wing bias of the media.”
Controversy over RSS ideologue’s statement and allegations against the government
Govindan also addressed the alleged comments of RSS ideologue TG Mohandas, where he made derogatory remarks about women protesters and endorsed a violent approach towards the protesters. Referring to this controversy, Govindan said, “Democratic minded people should speak out against the comments of TG Mohandas. Calling for violence and mass killings is an insult to any democratic society.”
Govindan also accused Chief Minister VD Satheesan’s government of selectively targeting Left-affiliated protesters while being soft on Mohandas. He said, “The Satheesan government is hesitant in registering a case against Mohandas. At the same time, large-scale cases were registered in Kerala against those protesting in support of the Delhi movement. This clearly shows that Satheesan is associating himself with the politics of the Sangh Parivar.”
Also spoke on Waqf Board and CMRL issue
On the issue of Waqf Board appointments, MV Govindan said, “The Muslim League has betrayed the Muslim community. The League has shown that it is willing to give up any stance for the sake of power.” The state government recently reconstituted the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board under the provisions of the new Waqf law, making it the first state in the country to do so. The newly formed 10-member board includes for the first time two non-Muslim experts and four women members.
He also spoke on CMRL director SN Sasidharan Kartha’s alleged admission during ED interrogation that the payment was made to Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter Veena T because of her “personal relations” with the former Kerala chief minister. He said, “Sasidharan Kartha’s statement is not new. We are not concerned about it. Efforts have been being made since the beginning to drag Pinarayi into the case. The claim that money was given due to his acquaintanceship with the Chief Minister is completely baseless and absurd.”
Review of party’s defeat and clarification on leadership
Govindan also talked about the internal review of CPM’s defeat in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections. Defending the process, Govindan said, “The Central Committee report was prepared by all of us after investigating the matter together. Wherever there were mistakes, the report has pointed them out clearly. I am part of the Central Committee, and the report was prepared collectively by the Central Committee and the Politburo. You are free to write as per your imagination.”
Govindan also ruled out any immediate change in the state leadership of the party. “There will be no reshuffle in the state secretariat or the state committee. Any organizational changes will be decided only through the party conference and party congress,” he said. (ANI)
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