Kerala is becoming an undeclared theocracy – ACT NOW

Anoop Varghese Kuriappuram
 

Salomi, wife of Prof T. J. Jospeh committed suicide on march 19^th 2014, ending almost 4 years of mental agony she and her family were subjected to. Prof. Jospeh’s hand was severed by activists of a fundamentalist organization on 4th July 2010, the case is being investigated by NIA. Allegations are alive that the act was the execution of a Taliban model  court order, which was confirmed by the Home minister in the floor of the assembly.

Issue began with Prof. Joesph using a  passage  adapted from  malayalam film director P. T. Kunju Muhammed's book, Thirakathayude Reethisasthram (Methodology of Screenplay), published by Kerala State Institute of Languages. It was used in a question paper for class tests. Below are the English and malayalam version of the same.

Original text in Malayalam മുഹമ്മദ്: പടച്ചോനേ പടച്ചോനേ ദൈവം: എന്താടാ നായിന്റെ മോനേ മുഹമ്മദ്: ഒരു അയില അതു മുറിച്ചാല്  എത്ര കഷണമാണ് ദൈവം: മൂന്നു കഷണമാണെന്ന് എത്ര തവണ ഞാൻ പറഞ്ഞിട്ടുണ്ടെടാ നായേ

Punctuated English translation Muhammad: Creator! Creator! God: What is it, you son of a bitch? Muhammad: A mackerel, if cut, would be how many pieces? God: How many times have I told you that there would be three pieces, you dog?

Fundamentalists allege that naming of character as  Muhammed  was  done to defame prophet Mohammed. Allegation of blasphemy was propagated by Madhyamam daily. After  the violent protests and communal instigation in Thodupuzha area, where 'New Man' College is situated, professor  surrendered in police station. College which suspended him over this issue, got red faced when a university administrative system exonerated him. He was refused to be taken back in service as the church controlled management alleged that “he caused distress to another community”.

His family was in deep financial crisis for a well to do family to fund health care, children’s education and regular expense.Salomy committed suicide once she was sure that Prof T. J. Jospeh will not be taken back to service as he is due for getting retired on March 31^st. After her suicide the church’s diocese led management was under deep criticism from various quarters due to it’s lack of compassionate treatment towards Prof T. J. Joseph. There is news in media that Professor Joseph will be taken back to service.

This article attempts to examine issues involved and failure of secular progressive forces in effectively intervening to prevent such disasters.

Examining the issue itself gives us a question that if there are sacred names to be used in our vocabulary. Issue itself will be tendered invalid in the first examination  as it is a matter of interpretation. Forcefully imposing one section’s interpretation on another is a hue of  fascim.

What we can see is there was organized effort to spread rumors and lies that Prof. Joseph was anti-muslim and he framed the questions  in order to hurt religious sentiments. Progressive forces which should oppose this dangerous trend were seen mute in most junctures. There were instances of calling his act as an avoidable mistake by many in left brigade which was apparently a boost for right wing fundamentalists.

There is a section of left who were trying to appease muslims by softening tone and reaching out to the minority sections by means of various initiatives. When his hand was cut and he was suspended/ dismissed left parties carefully avoided leading the attack against right wing fundamentalists and college management. Left was apprehensive  of  getting labelled as  anti-Muslim or anti-Church. Instead of choosing to say Prof Joseph may have done an unintended mistake, main left leaders chose to remain silent. It has to be seen in context of left brigade doing a spirited defence of MF Hussain over his painting controversy.

Once he was dismissed from service, many organisations including BJP formed committees to help him. But none was helpful; his family faced a social isolation and was cut from mainstream life. Progressive forces which should have taken lead in agitation against church’s management has refrained in doing the same, again votes of christians was not to be disturbed.

We can see the same thread running in many instances in state. That is facing ire of religious or communal institutions if some one dares to speak against there stance.Media and powerful political sections will join hands in attacking the personality who spoke. Examples are numerous but glaring one’s being Amrithanada Mayi Mutt  allegations and  denial of Idukki  LS seat to PT Thomas over locking horns with diocese. Theocracy seem to be the right word for Kerala’s system to use if acts such as this continues.

We cannot forget that creating this  dominance of  communal forces, liberation struggle of 1959 against elected communist government has played a key role. Left brigade is seen mute in many cases. Left forces at this juncture of time, should spare energy  in leading a secular attack against religion’s interference in social and political life of state. It will actually strengthen the political base of left than any electoral adjustments. “Free politics from religion and caste” is the slogan which conveys the correct message. This movement will do a great deal in weakening identity politics and will re-establish class politics in state, which is swept aside now.