KOZHIKODE: Kerala’s literary doyen M T Vasudevan Nair in a veiled criticism took shots at the government for striding to an autocratic level of governance. The strong criticism came at the opening stage of the 7th Literary Festival organized by DC Books, Kozhikode, which also had CM Pinarayi Vijayan as the chief guest.

MT’s words:

The core ethos of politics has seen erosion and we have been hearing about this for some time now. Politics is now just a bridge to attain power. Power means dominance or omnipotence. When the communist party first came to power in Kerala, some people considered that all success was achieved. The complacency took over these sections.

EMS remains a great leader and revolutionary figure since he led from the front, made people participate in long rallies, and thus inculcated a sense of responsibility in the masses. These responsible people soon stormed into the grounds in support of the party and filled the ballots in the party’s favour. EMS denounced the age-old system of one leader and many supporters. He worked among the people and became a favourite of all. He never endorsed supporters lionizing one leader and heaping praise on them.

The Russian Revolution was not a result of any leader but the coordinated efforts of people who took part in millions. These people can be easily angered. Freedom is not something we get at the behest of rulers. Some leaders here are hesitant to even admit their wrongs. It was unlike the erstwhile leader EMS, who was truly concerned about Kerala.

Minister Muhammad Riyas, writer K. Satchidanandan, dancer Mallika Sarabhai and others were also present on the stage. After the keynote speech of MT Vasudevan Nair, the Chief Minister left the stage.