Thiruvananthapuram: CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam has sparked controversy within the Left Democratic Front (LDF) by criticizing the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), calling it a liability for the Left movement. The CPI, the second-largest constituent of the LDF, has expressed concerns over SFI’s style of functioning, which Viswam described as uncivilized and detrimental to the Left Front if not corrected.
Viswam’s statements have stirred significant unrest within the ruling CPM-led LDF in Kerala, revealing the fractures within the alliance. He emphasized that the new generation of SFI members lacks an understanding of Left ideology and their responsibilities in the modern world. He urged SFI members to study the history of the Left students’ movement and to be guided in the right direction, while also acknowledging the straightforward members of SFI.
The reaction from the CPM was swift and defensive. Senior CPM leader and former minister A.K. Balan, a close ally of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, strongly defended SFI, asserting that his party would not permit any form of witch-hunting against the student organization. He emphasized that SFI is not a “roadside drum” for anyone to beat and walk away.
CPM State Secretary M.V. Govindan attempted to downplay the conflict, stating that Viswam’s comments were his personal views and that CPI might have its own opinions. He stressed the importance of resolving issues through internal discussions within the LDF, choosing not to respond directly to Viswam’s criticisms.
Despite this, Binoy Viswam reiterated his stance, insisting that SFI needs to reform. The All India Students Federation (AISF), CPI’s student wing, has also supported Viswam’s statements, further highlighting the divisions within the Left alliance.
Political observers predict that these internal conflicts within the LDF will worsen in the coming days. The recent Lok Sabha election results have already indicated a shift, with the rank and file of the CPM gradually deserting the party due to dissatisfaction with the leadership’s perceived arrogance and hypocrisy. The party’s pursuit of the Muslim vote bank has alienated many Hindu and Christian members.
SFI’s increasing violence against fellow students, teachers, and principals has only exacerbated the situation. The CPM leadership, from the Chief Minister to local committee secretaries, has been seen justifying SFI’s aggressive actions, including the obstruction of the state governor and the erection of offensive banners on campuses. These incidents have pushed many right-thinking individuals to either leave the party or vote for BJP candidates.
The discontent within the LDF is not limited to the CPI. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), another constituent of the alliance, is reportedly angry and dissatisfied over the lack of cabinet positions and Rajya Sabha tickets.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s controversial comments following the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) attack on Youth Congress members during a protest against the “Nav Kerala Sadas” convoy in November 2023 have further fueled public outrage. Vijayan’s defense of the DYFI’s violent actions as a “life-saving mission” has been widely criticized as an example of his arrogance.
In response to the CPI Secretary’s allegations, SFI leadership has firmly rejected the criticisms, maintaining their stance.
