Former minister and veteran CPI leader E Chandrashekharan Nair says though the liberation struggle launched by caste, communal and religious groups could succeed in toppling the democratically elected communist government in 1957, even in its short span in office the EMS Ministry could effectively take radical decisions which laid the foundation for Kerala's pro-people development model. In an exclusive interview, the 87-year-old leader who was a young first-time MLA then, recollected the events that triggered the turbulent Liberation Struggle.
Could you recollect events that led to Liberation Struggle in 1958-59?
At that time, the majority of the people were poor because the important component of wealth then was land. The land was in the hands of landlords who could evict tenants and agricultural workers any time. There was total insecurity. Soon after coming to power in 1957, the Communist government introduced land reforms with the slogan, “land to the tiller.” Tenants got ownership of land while hut dwellers secured a claim on surplus land on which they had worked for centuries under the feudal system. The law also ensured fixity of tenure and protection from eviction. Apart from land reforms, the Education Reforms Bill was aimed at eradicating malpractices in educational institutions mainly run by powerful Christian denominations and NSS.
It also aimed to regulating appointments of teachers, syllabi and pay structures. This was a trigger. I remember even High Court terming the relationship between school manager and teacher as that of “master and servant”. So our government ended the eviction of tenants, protected private teachers, opened large number of schools in Malabar region giving opportunities to the poorest of the poor to seek education and introduced midday meal scheme for nutritional needs of schoolchildren. I too played a role in land reforms being a member of the Select Committee which examined the Bill.
Those behind “liberation struggle” allege that the movement was against “cell rule”. What do you have to say?
This is rubbish. The party intervention may have been there in some cases but that happens even during Congress regime. The fact is that the two revolutionary steps hit hard at the roots of feudal system and highly exploitative private education sector which infuriated the Church and the NSS. Backed by other vested interest groups they masterminded the liberation struggle. But the working class, small peasants and agricultural workers stood solidly with the Left.
What was the role played by Congress?
A: The liberation struggle was launched with the full backing of the Congress high command. All caste, communal and vested religious groups ganged up. Indira Gandhi masterminded the agitation to create anarchy. They succeeded in toppling the democratically elected government. It is a known fact that external forces like CIA also played a role.
What significant difference did 1957 government make to Kerala’s development?
A: Today Kerala is considered as one of the top states in development issues. Even international agencies have recognised this. While many argue that GDP and GNP are indicators of development, the UN has accepted human development as the major criteria. While India ranks 130 on human development index, Kerala is much higher in socio-economic-health indicators. The credit goes to 1957 Government which laid the foundation for human development. Later Achutha Menon Government built a modern Kerala.
The organised strength of agricultural workers and industrial workers ensured decent wages. Agricultural worker today gets around '700 where as the Centre has now recommended '350. Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has on several occasions lauded the Kerala model.The present LDF government is moving in the right direction though there may be some weaknesses.
What are challenges before the Left today?
A: I think the Left should stay united and oppose challenges posed by the Hindutva agenda of the BJP and Sangh Parivar. Their divisive politics needs to be countered effectively.
In 1957 you were a member of undivided communist party. Do you think CPI and CPM merger will happen anytime soon?
A: The coming together of the two major Left parties is important and I don’t have any doubts about it. But how will it come and when will it come I can’t say now.
