KANNUR, August 28, 2014
The ‘red’ twist to Ganeshotsavam
by Mohamed Nazeer
Ambadi Muku Talap in Kannur. Photo: S.K. Mohan
Ambadimukku, a saffron spot till a group of youths loyal to the Sangh Parivar joined the fold of the rival Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] a few months ago, is again in the limelight because those young men who switched sides are now preparing to celebrate Ganeshotsavam with no less fervour than they did in the past.
The locality near Talap, a stone’s throw away from the centre of the town, has now turned red but, as they say, old habits die hard. This year too, the religious festivities are being held under the aegis of the Vivekananda Samskarika Samiti, the difference being that the Samiti now comprises former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) supporters and workers who switched loyalties to the CPI(M) in January.
The area is once again drawing attention as both the CPI(M) and the BJP in the district are involved in what to outsiders looks like poaching workers and supporters.
Expectedly, the BJP district leadership is quick to portray the discrepancy in the new comrades celebrating Ganeshotsavam. Party district unit president K. Ranjith said this was against the decision of the CPI(M)’s party plenum held in Palakkad asking party workers to desist from holding religious rituals such as ‘Ganapathi Homam.’
The CPI(M) district leadership’s response to the controversy has sought to draw a distinction between faith and communalism. CPI(M) district unit secretary P. Jayarajan said in a statement here on Tuesday that the party had different attitudes towards believers and communalists. “The RSS and the Balagokulam under it are a movement that spread communal and extremist ideas in society, and that is why the CPI(M) has different attitudes towards rituals in temples during the Sree Krishna Ashtami day and the programmes conducted by Balagokulam,” he said.
Ambadimukku, meanwhile, remains a prize catch for the CPI(M) to parade, thanks to the party and the BJP district leadership’s bid to outdo each other.
