Kerala: CPM changes stance; MV Govindan asks its members to openly practice their faith and visit temples

In a significant shift, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) has officially allowed its members to openly practice their faith, including visiting temples. This announcement, made by state party secretary MV Govindan, marks a departure from the party’s traditionally atheist stance.

Govindan acknowledged that while many communists, including CPM leaders and workers, have been privately visiting temples, the new policy provides a green light for such practices to be conducted openly. “There are a lot of believers in the party,” Govindan stated, highlighting the relief this change brings to Hindu comrades who no longer need to hide their temple visits.

Previously, CPM’s stance did not explicitly prohibit members from practicing their faith, but there was an unspoken expectation for atheism, especially among Hindu members. However, this was not uniformly enforced for all religions. Christian and Muslim comrades have openly practiced their faith without restriction, and the new policy now extends the same freedom to Hindu members.

Govindan emphasized that a communist does not necessarily have to be an atheist. “A communist is free to choose what he wants,” he said, pointing out that the party does not ban members from believing in any faith. He added that not all party members are Marxists, and becoming a Marxist is a process that takes time.

This change in policy brings to mind scenes from the 1990s Malayalam political satire film “Sandesham,” where communist characters secretly visit temples. The film portrayed senior and junior communist ideologues sneaking into a temple early in the morning, covering their faces to avoid being recognized.

During his announcement, Govindan also accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of attempting to take over temples, despite these being managed by statutory Dewaswoms. He described the operation of RSS shakhas (branches) in temples as “goonda activity” and urged Dewaswoms to intervene. Govindan stressed that temples should be maintained for believers but criticised the demand from Sangh-inspired organizations to liberate temples from the control of Dewaswoms, which he claimed are often run by politicized and atheist individuals.

Govindan also alleged that the RSS is trying to communalize the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, the community organisation of Hindu Ezhavas founded by Sree Narayana Guru. With the Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), an SNDP-dominated political party, being part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Kerala, Govindan and the CPM have been vocal in their criticism. They believe that Ezhava votes were crucial in the recent victories and losses in the Lok Sabha elections, particularly highlighting the victory of BJP candidate Suresh Gopi in Thrissur and the defeat of a CPM candidate in Alappuzha.

Govindan’s statements reflect the CPM’s introspection following a disappointing performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, where the Left Democratic Front (LDF) secured only one out of 20 seats in Kerala. The policy change regarding temple visits is seen as an effort to reconnect with the Hindu voter base and address the party’s declining influence.