Thrissur (Kerala), May 28 (IANS) Eminent Malayalam poet and intellectual K. Satchidanandan on Thursday made one of the sharpest public criticisms of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the CPI-M, saying he should not have become the Leader of the Opposition.

Satchidanandan also warned that growing intolerance could weaken the very foundations of communism.

Interacting with reporters on the occasion of his 80th birthday, Satchidanandan said he did not think Vijayan would become the Opposition leader.

“A more energetic Opposition leader should have been identified. Many people now feel that way,” he said.

The poet also strongly criticised the alleged attack by CPI-M workers on Enforcement Directorate officials and CRPF personnel during searches conducted at Vijayan’s residence in connection with the CMRL-Exalogic financial transactions case involving his daughter T. Veena.

“Investigations should not have been confronted through violence. I am not justifying what many describe as ED excesses or a witch-hunt. But why could it not be handled peacefully?” he asked.

Warning the Left leadership against intolerance, Satchidanandan said such behaviour could damage the survival of communist politics itself.

“If intolerance continues, communism will not survive,” he said.

He remarked that the Left had effectively defeated itself by moving away from ordinary people and failing to recognise public sentiment.

“The Left itself defeated the Left. They lost touch with common people,” he observed.

Satchidanandan also blamed abusive political behaviour on social media for contributing to the coalition’s electoral setback.

“Those spreading abuse and obscenity in cyberspaces also played a major role in the defeat,” he said.

He further criticised what he termed the excessive projection of Vijayan during the election campaign.

“Even during the Covid period, there were ministers who worked effectively, but only Pinarayi was projected repeatedly. People could clearly see all this,” he said.

Referring to the ED investigation, Satchidanandan said allegations should be countered with truth and transparency rather than aggression.

“The ED probe should be confronted with the truth. Otherwise, it creates the impression that there is fear of the truth,” he added.

–IANS

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