Ezhava representation is not a favour

Discussions are progressing rapidly over the formation of the new UDF government led by the Congress in Kerala. Different caste, religious, and social communities are also trying to ensure adequate representation in the new cabinet. At this stage, we had reported concerns that attempts were being made to deny proper representation to the Ezhava community, which forms one of the largest sections of Kerala’s population. If a government is formed without giving fair representation to the Ezhava community, more than one-fourth of Kerala’s population could feel dissatisfied. Such a situation may weaken Kerala’s social balance and harmony. In that case, no government would be able to effectively move forward with the state’s social progress and development. Both Communist- and Congress-led governments, as well as LDF and UDF administrations that ruled Kerala over the years, have understood this social balance while forming cabinets and taking major decisions.

In different ministries in the past, the Ezhava community had representation ranging from four to nine ministers. In the first Pinarayi Vijayan government formed in 2016, nine out of 21 ministers, including the Chief Minister, belonged to the Ezhava community. The lowest representation came during the 2011 government led by Oommen Chandy. However, that government had only 72 MLAs supporting it. But the current situation is different. The UDF government has come to power with the strong support of 102 MLAs. A major reason behind this large victory was the strong support the UDF received from Ezhava voters across districts and regions. In Kannur, Thrissur, Alappuzha, and Kollam, the solid backing of Ezhava voters played a key role in the UDF’s success. Ignoring this reality while forming the cabinet could send negative signals.

The contributions of the Ezhava community to Kerala’s social, economic, and cultural progress are invaluable. It was the social reform movements inspired by the vision of Sree Narayana Guru that helped Kerala move from the dark period of caste and social discrimination in the 19th and 20th centuries towards social and educational progress. Guru’s message, “Gain strength through organisation and freedom through education”, played a major role in shaping modern Kerala. The SNDP Yogam and Ezhava movements have also contributed significantly to strengthening secular values in Kerala’s social life. Educational institutions, colleges, and hospitals run by the SNDP Yogam continue to have a strong influence and relevance in society.

Any government can move forward only by protecting the social and political balance of Kerala. Although only nine members from the Ezhava community have been elected this time, the community played an important role in ensuring UDF victories in many constituencies. Therefore, the argument is that the cabinet should include at least six ministers from the Ezhava community for the social balance to remain meaningful. The Congress and UDF leadership are being urged to make a wise decision in this matter. It should also be remembered that such representation is not a favour, but a legitimate right.