Ayodhya verdict: Let’s count the holes in the verdict later

The CPM would undertake an elaborate breakdown of the Supreme Court verdict in due course. We have various ideas about the verdict and they have been presented in a capsule form in the communique issued by politburo on Saturday.

For example, there is a reference that certain premises in the verdict are questionable. This means we have our reservations or questions about some of the aspects of the judgment.

The judgment speaks about the criminal violation of Babri Masjid, though not in the same term. It said the demolition of the Masjid was a violation of law. So the law should take proper action against the culprits. That legal action is not completed and the culprits have not been meted out the punishment.

The verdict has referred to the Places of Religious Worship Act, 1991. There cannot be a reopening of any other place of worship on similar lines in future. We have stated this in our statement.

It is a sensitive matter. At this point of time we don't want to state anything which could create provocation.  The issue which has been used for fanning up communal passions by various forces for long periods had to be settled at some point in a non-controversial manner. Such a dispute cannot be settled fully to the satisfaction of everyone. But still, it should be settled in a manner where nobody would feel defeated or triumphant.

We have our reservations in saying that this is a judicious decision. But still there has to be an end to this litigation.

The Sangh Parivar may go forward in a triumphant mood but it is for the democratic and secular forces to see they are prevented from doing that. It is a big task before them. We have to painstakingly spread the message among the masses. It is not an easy task, but we will have to take it up.

The RSS is notorious for double speak. They don't stick to what they say. That they refuse to give a categorical reply on the issue of Kashi and Mathura shows they are going to take up other matters.

The judiciary is found wanting even in the case of all those who have criminally destroyed a place of historical importance. They have not pronounced the verdict and settled the issue yet. So there are many grey areas where systemic failure was evident in protecting democracy and secularism.

The Indian political, social and cultural communities will have to stand up and discharge their responsibility to protect the secular and democratic values as enshrined in the constitution.

The only office that the communal forces attacked in Delhi was the CPM headquarters. They know who is systematically exposing and opposing communal forces. But unfortunately the Congress does not have the courage to politically, ideologically and organisationally face communalism.

There are wide areas where the Left is almost non-existent and the Congress is the only opposition. But the Congress is not discharging the role of the opposition. This is also helping the BJP and RSS to be more bold and aggressive. The Left will never be found wanting in fighting the communal forces politically, ideologically and organisationally. We are doing it in Kerala.

The Left will continue to play its role within its limitations and influence in taking up secular positions and fighting communal forces. Whether the Left will develop as a leading force is something society also has to respond to. We cannot assume the leadership position on our own.

We have taken up positions about following a mass line and connecting with marginalised sections such as tribals, dalits, minorities and women. Problems such as agriculture distress, farmer suicides, economic recession, retrenchments, layoffs, unemployment, atrocities against women and livelihood issues are problems which need to be taken up.

Only by doing so can you develop and evolve a mighty mass movement for secularism, societal problems and livelihood issues of various sections and that has to be the important pillar on which the fight against communalism can be developed.

Long march of farmers from Nashik to Mumbai and farmers struggle in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have been organised under the red flag. More such movements have to be built.

Today we may have different critical observations about the verdict. But we have to keep our cool and patience. We have to respond to the situation in a responsible and restrained manner and that is very important. Preserve the unity so that the struggle for social change and unity can be strengthened in the coming days.

(M.A. Baby is member of the CPM politburo)
(As told to Gilvester Assary)