Chennai: Left parties and democratic forces should come together to prevent the BJP and Hindutva forces from gaining a foothold in Tamil Nadu, said freedom fighter and veteran Communist leader R. Nallakannu who turns 90 years on Friday. He enjoys an excellent reputation across the political spectrum and is known for his simplicity and austere lifestyle. He speaks on various issues in an exclusive interview to DC. Here are excerpts:
Q: You have participated in the freedom struggle and continued in active politics since then. What is the difference you have noticed between pre and post Independence politics?
Ans: During the freedom struggle, there was the sole agenda of achieving independence. After achieving independence and subsequent reorganisation of states on a linguistic basis, many regional political parties emerged and people started fighting for their states’ rights. This is one of the reasons for inter-state river water disputes including those of Cauvery and Mullaiperiyar.
Q: From the position of the main Opposition party in the state in the 1950s, the Communist parties are not even able to win a single seat on its own. What are the reasons for the Communist parties’ waning support base?
Ans: The Communist party and its members faced state repression. There are a few forces affected by our pro-people movements that are conspiring to prevent the party’s growth through various means. Left parties are facing a corporate sponsored attack after they withdrew support for the Congress led UPA I government in 2008.
Q: In spite of various corruption charges faced by Dravidian party leaders, people continue to vote them to back to power. Why are Left parties not able to win people’s support?
Ans: Dravidian parties’ core ideology is good. It is based on Periyar’s anti Brahmanism, anti-caste and language policy. But when they came to power, they made compromises. They use money and muscle power, indulge in caste politics and put up wealthy candidates for the elections. To remove them from power, there is a need for a strong alternative front. But there are multiple forces working at the behest of Dravidian parties to prevent the formation of such an alternative front. There is a need to reform the electoral system and bring in proportional representation.
Q: What is the future of the Left in the state? What is your immediate agenda?
Ans: BJP and Hindutva forces are trying to gain a foothold in the state. Tamil Nadu has a long history of progressive movements. Periyar created a strong base against communal forces. Left and democratic forces should come together to prevent the BJP from destroying the traditional social fabric.
