When dissenting voices and rectifying forces across political parties appear to be facing extinction, Vylappulli Mama Sudheeran stands in glorious isolation. His bold critique of the Congress party for abandoning its commitment to Nehruvian Socialism and secularism has been a lone voice in the wilderness. Although it appears as clear as daylight, the 75-year-old Sudheeran is the only public voice to point out that Congress’ ongoing crisis was because it became a B team of the BJP. By embracing market-friendly economics and practicing soft Hindutva policies, Congress has failed to present an alternative before the people. So why wonder if the voters in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, or Chattisgarh went with the A team instead of wasting B?
The Youth Congress of the 1960s and 70s under AK Antony and Vayalar Ravi was known for its corrective power with the Congress. The old tycoons in Congress used to tremble at this youth power. A generation of youngsters like Sudheeran, Oommen Chandy, PC Chacko, Shanmughadas, and many others were the products of these bold and idealist days. Over time, with growing age and craving for positions, most of these one-time idealists settled down for compromises. Sudheeran remained the exception. Even when he held positions of power, Sudheeran tried to fight the chronic ills of the system and stayed true to his ideals against all odds.
For the past few decades, Sudheeran has been the only voice of dissent and caution whenever Congress showed signs of growing sickness. In fact, not just the Congress but every party, including the Left too, have seen the extinction of internal dissenters and critics who are indispensable for the health of a party. V S Achuthanandan was the last of the species in CPM and what happened to the party after his eclipse is for all to see.
Sudheeran had not minced words or deeds when K Karunakaran tried to be the unquestioned dictator in the party, or when factionalism hit the ceiling under Oommen Chandy and Ramesh Chennithala, or when sleaze swallowed the Chandy government. It is great to see the fire blazing in Sudheeran, even at 75.
As Sudheeran stated unambiguously now, the recent state elections have yet again proved the bankruptcy of Congress’ soft Hindutva policy,........