Author: S. Chandrasekhar
Publication: Organiser
Date: September 11, 2005
URL: http://www.organiser.org/dynamic/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=95&page=10
K. Karunakaran, one of the stalwarts of the
Congress Party started his public life in the 1930s, selling salt made by
the satyagrahis. A close aide of Indira Gandhi, he stood with her during the
days when she was out of power. A kingmaker, he is believed to have made Rao,
prime minister. Now in a twist of fate, he is out of the Sonia-led Congress
and is out to defeat it by allying with the CPM. He spoke to Organiser correspondent
S. Chandrasekhar on the political situation excerpts:
You have been associated with the Congress
from the times of Jawaharlal Nehru to Sonia Gandhi. What is the reason for
quitting the Congress and forming another party?
The Indian National Congress has always been
working towards certain ideals aimed at achieving programmes for development.
Moreover, the main aim of the Congress is democracy. Village voters and membership
from primary level are the backbone of the Congress. In the new setup at AICC,
panel decided by them is elected. They don't want elections. If elections
were held, I would have been in the Congress. I feel deep anguish for leaving
the party which I have served in my entire lifetime.
Did you have to quit because of differences
with Sonia?
I have had the best of relations with the
Nehru family. I respected Sonia as member of the Nehru family. I didn't expect
anything personally from her. But she did not reciprocate my respect. I infer
that sanctity of leadership is not there in Sonia.
Do you feel that Congress under Sonia is being
Christianised? Do Oommen Chandy, Y.S.R. Reddy, Ajit Jogi, Oscar Fernandez,
Margaret Alva rule the roost?
The Congress was founded by a Christian, so
there is nothing wrong (sarcastic smile).
What about the Congress organisation under
Sonia?
The workers are the strength of the Congress.
Now the party is for leaders and the workers are not getting justice. Moreover,
there is widespread opinion that the organisation has totally deteriorated.
You are often regarded as a kingmaker who
made Narasimha Rao the prime minister.
I suggested Narasimha Rao's name despite his
deficiencies since he knows the politics of Congress and worked in it. Similarly,
in the case of Sonia, I forced her. I knew her deficiencies, but she belonged
to the Nehru family.
You talk about Congress commitment to democracy?
What about the repressive rule during Emergency?
Emergency was inevitable, there was too much
of indiscipline including among the defence forces. But the implementation
of it went totally wrong, mainly due to police excesses. I was personally
affected in the Rajan case and had to quit my chief ministership. The police
officers did not tell me of Rajan's death. I take pride in curbing naxalism
in Kerala, but I had to suffer.
The CPM has opposed you, all through your
political career, moreover they care a twopence for democracy. How do you
justify your party allying with the CPM in Kerala?
The CPM has been opposed to me ever since
I joined the Congress. The CPM always wants an upper hand in Kerala. For Kerala's
future democracy is important. Hence the CPM has to change from its authoritarian
style to a democratic system. It will take time. My alliance with the CPM
is a practical move to defeat the Oommen Chandy led UDF.
Don't you feel that the CPM clout at Delhi
is increasing?
I am worried at the state of the nation because
of the influence regional parties have at the national level. I am worried
whether the nation will remain one. The leadership of the Congress is responsible
for the state of affairs. Manmohan Singh is a victim of circumstances. CPM
will certainly use the situation to their benefit. Congress is at the mercy
of CPM. There is no alternative to the undue influence of the CPM.
Comprising about 46 per cent of the population
the Christians and Muslims are wielding undue political, social and economic
power. Almost all educational institutions are controlled by them. About 80
per cent of land holdings are controlled by them. Now SNDP and NSS (community
organisations of Hindu Nairs and Ezhavas) have started a unity effort. Instead
of allying with the CPM, would it not be appropriate for you to lead a grand
Hindu front, with the NSS, SNDP and BJP? Moreover with the Oommen Chandy-led
UDF and CPM, both anti-Hindu, what is the hope for Kerala Hindus who are becoming
political orphans?
The Muslims and Christians are able to gain
because they are politically united. Moreover elections are one year away.
This year is very crucial. Let us see.
