Popular issues shown the door in Kerala, courtesy controversies

Attitudes, reactions, approaches and tactics of political leaders often fail to fall in line with common justice or common sense. To expect such logic and justice from new-age political leaders would be a bit too much.

As per newly emerging trends, baseless controversies keep alive political discussions among the populace rather than the core subject matters that warrant attention. They are of no use to common people but have helped evolve many hitherto unknown names to the status of ‘mature’ political prodigies.

There is a shortcut that any party in power can pull off when the government expect a rebellion just before the onset of an election: Ignite a controversy!

People will forget everything else and look at it in amazement. That loophole is enough to turn public attention away from the popular issues. The corruption scandal in the NCP, the Thrissur Pooram disruption, ADM Naveen Babu’s suicide and PP Divya are a few such attempts.

MLAs Antony Raju and Kovoor Kunjumon were lured to the BJP-friendly NCP-Sharadpawar side through the bait of bribery. The MLAs confirmed it and the chief minister also raised the issue in the CPM state secretariat.

Thomas K Thomas was crestfallen and blamed the corruption news to have taken away his impending ministerial spot. The story continues again with the NCP appointing a commission of inquiry into the allegation.

However, a major question is left unanswered. While giving and receiving bribes is a crime, why didn't the Chief Minister, who reported the matter in the party meeting, order a government-level inquiry into the matter?

Without even consulting with allies’ CPI or any others, why did the chief minister publicly downplay conspiracy in Thrissur Pooram? This statement triggered discontent within CPI leadership as they strongly believe conspiracy in Pooram disruption, led to BJP’s historic win in Thrissur.

And when such matters are flaring comes PP Divya’s 12-day fugitive life in the party bastion of Kannur. All the controversies ended up as a blessing for the ruling government since popular issues never made it into the list. Elections would have been more meaningful if we had allowed time to discuss core issues alerting the lives of commoners in Kerala. But, at this moment, controversies are ruling the roost in Kerala. Hail them!