Saji Cheriyan: The Controversial CPI(M) Leader in Kerala Politics
Senior CPI(M) leader and Kerala minister Saji Cheriyan has once again found himself at the center of a political storm, this time for making what have been described as anti-Muslim remarks before being compelled to retract them. The 60-year-old politician, who represents Chegannur as a two-term MLA, is no stranger to controversy, having previously been forced to resign as a minister in July 2022 over comments critical of the Indian Constitution.
A History of Controversial Statements
Cheriyan's political career has been marked by a series of contentious remarks that have repeatedly landed his party in difficult situations. In July 2022, he was forced to step down as minister after stating at a party event that "the Constitution has been written in such a manner to ensure that the maximum number of people are looted" and referring to secularism and democracy as "kuntham and kudachakran (spear and umbrella spoke)" to indicate their perceived insignificance.
Remarkably, Cheriyan made a political comeback just six months later after the Kerala High Court rejected a plea seeking his disqualification. His return to the cabinet demonstrated both his resilience and the complex dynamics within Kerala's Left Democratic Front government.
Recent Controversies and Retractions
The latest controversy emerged when Cheriyan made remarks perceived as anti-Muslim, though specific details of these comments weren't provided in the original report. Following significant backlash, he was forced to retract these statements on Wednesday, highlighting the ongoing tension between his outspoken nature and political pragmatism.
This pattern of making controversial statements followed by retractions isn't new for Cheriyan. In January 2024, he created another uproar with comments about Christian leaders who attended a Christmas program organized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He remarked that "they were silent on the violence in Manipur but had goosebumps when they were served wine and cakes," sparking protests from Christian communities across Kerala.
The Kerala Bishops Council responded strongly, stating that Christians would not cooperate with the state government unless the minister retracted his words. Cheriyan eventually withdrew the remarks about wine and cake while maintaining his political stance that leaders should have raised the Manipur issue during their meeting with the Prime Minister.
Political Background and Rise Through Ranks
Cheriyan's political journey began through student politics, and he steadily rose through the CPI(M) ranks. His influence in Alappuzha district grew significantly during current Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's tenure as the party's state secretary. Eventually, Cheriyan served as the CPI(M)'s Alappuzha district secretary, cementing his position as a key figure in the region.
Though initially seen as close to the late V A Achuthanandan, the former Chief Minister who also hailed from Alappuzha district, Cheriyan strategically sided with Vijayan during the factional feud between the two leaders. This alignment has proven crucial to his political survival and advancement within the party structure.
Additional Controversies and Ministerial Tenure
As Cultural Affairs Minister, Cheriyan faced criticism in August 2024 for his perceived inaction on the Hema Committee report, which examined issues faced by women professionals in the Malayalam film industry. His handling of this sensitive matter drew scrutiny from women's rights advocates and cultural observers.
Cheriyan also generated controversy by initially defending veteran director Ranjith, who was then chairman of the Kerala State Chalachithra Academy and faced sexual harassment allegations. This defense created additional challenges for the minister and raised questions about his judgment regarding gender sensitivity issues.
The Political Implications
Saji Cheriyan's repeated controversies present significant challenges for the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front government in Kerala. Each incident forces the party leadership to balance disciplinary action against a senior leader with maintaining political stability. His ability to survive multiple controversies speaks to both his political acumen and the complex calculations within Kerala's coalition politics.
The pattern of making inflammatory remarks followed by retractions suggests a calculated approach to maintaining visibility while managing political fallout. As Kerala politics continues to evolve, Cheriyan's career trajectory offers insights into the tensions between ideological expression and political pragmatism within India's communist movements.
