Fearing ‘Hinduisation’ of Tamil Nadu politics, CPI(M) wants to enter the temple arena

Tamil Nadu CPI(M)’s recent Offer to participate in temple festivals “to counter the dominance of” [the] What does the “Sangh Parivar” remind in temples and festivals? madan motcham, a famous short story by Tamil writer Jayamohan. Although outright anti-communist, Jayamohan, in that story tries to find out how folk deities are appropriated by mainstream Hinduism in Tamil Nadu. Hindutva groups in Kanyakumari district have benefited from this appropriation. Hindutva groups have become a relatively powerful political force in the southern tip of the country. These groups suit the ‘small’ deities, who were previously ignored by the upper castes, but can the comrades use the same strategy to counterattack the Hindutva forces?

CPI(M) state secretary K. Balakrishnan’s recent announcement of the party’s plan to enter the temple has drawn criticism and suspicion. P. Shanmugam, a member of the party’s state secretariat, tried to play down the controversy, saying there was no “ideological change”. “Any change in ideology will be decided by the All India Congress of the party. The party may also consider joining the temple administration to counter Hindutva groups, as is the case in Kerala. The party also actively participates in Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal. We do not intend to participate in temple festivals and propagate the ideas of God and Dharma. We know that 95% of the people are theists, but they cannot be called communal by any measure. What is happening is that a small group which is communal is trying to take advantage of religious beliefs. We have to counter them,” he argued.

The communists are probably hoping that people will realize that they never abused God, religion or the priestly class, unlike the original Dravidian parties. The Dravidian movement has also come down in the last few years from the blasphemy of religion and God. DMK founder CN Annadurai gave the famous slogan, ‘ Ondre Kulam, Oruvane Devani (Humanity is one and we have only one God)’. “I do not say that there should be no temple. I only say that the temple should not be the abode of miscreants.’ parashakti, He occasionally took a dig at Hindu gods and goddesses. But AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran did not keep his faith a secret: for example, he regularly visited the Mookambika temple. His political successor Jayalalithaa was also brave enough to demonstrate her piety and visit temples. Karunanidhi’s son MK Stalin, who is now chief minister, abstains from all religious activities, but insists that the DMK is not an anti-Hindu party.

There was no need for the communists to make such agreements. But they are desperate to remain relevant in today’s era, where religious polarization is deep and widespread. The entire ‘secular’ opposition seems helpless in front of the growing dominance of the BJP. Voters are largely willing to ignore other issues when their religious sensibilities are played with. In these circumstances, the CPI(M), even fearing ‘Hinduisation’ of Tamil Nadu politics, is trying to enter the temple arena, especially in the cultural sphere.

Dravida Viduthalai Kazhagam leader Viduthalai Rajendran said the CPI(M) should reconsider its plan. “Don’t play into the hands of RSS and BJP, who have old links with religion because their politics is nothing but religion. They perpetuate the caste system and spread irrational beliefs. The Sangh Parivar will go out and say that they have been successful in making the CPI(M) their line,” warned Mr. Rajendran.

It remains to be seen whether the CPI(M) will have enough space in temple activities.

kolappan.b@thehindu.co.in