Why Gaza bombings make political ripples in faraway Kerala
Any crises in the Middle East, be it the Iran-Iraq war or the Hamas attack on Israel now, invariably influences the politics of Kerala and its electoral dynamics
Against the backdrop of the intense conflict during Operation Desert Storm in January 1991, a fiery election rally was taking place in Thrissur, Kerala. The rally was organised by the CPI(M), the ruling party at the time, with their stalwart ideologue and party general secretary, EMS Namboothiripad, addressing a massive gathering.
EMS began his address by delving into the global political landscape, an approach typical of communist leaders. In his distinctive speaking style, marked by a characteristic stammer, he rounded off his analysis of international politics with a partially answered question: "In this critical hour, we, the Communist Marxist Party, stand with Saddam Hussein in his struggle against the mighty American imperialists...what about you?”
The crowd erupted into thunderous sloganeering, "Down with Yankee Imperialism! Long Live Saddam Hussein! Long Live the Revolution!"
During the elections for the 14 district council bodies in the state, the LDF secured victory in 12 of them. The Gulf War, along with some other factors, including the ongoing post-Mandal scenario, and the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, played a significant role in the substantial swing of Muslim votes towards the left democratic front.
This might have been the first incidence of such consolidation in the state's history. According to former finance minister Dr Thomas Issac, who had studied the scenario, there was an additional shift of 2 per cent votes in favour of the Left.
International events shape Kerala's politics
Developments in West Asia invariably influence the political landscape of Kerala, directly impacting its electoral dynamics. Whether it's the Iran-Iraq war in the late 1980s or the execution of Saddam Hussein, these events reverberate within Kerala, given the substantial role that international politics consistently plays in shaping the state's political scenario.
The historical alignment of the CPI(M)-led Left Front with the global left is a critical factor in this dynamic. This alignment translates into support for the Muslim bloc against the west, ranging from advocating for the Palestinian cause to standing by Saddam Hussein’s regime. It's worth noting that despite Saddam Hussein's adversarial stance towards the Iraqi Communist Party and the Kurds, who shared ideological commonalities with the communists, the CPI(M)-led Left Front remained supportive.
This support for the Muslim bloc, despite nuanced complexities and contradictions, positions the Left Front strategically during times of Middle East crises. Consequently, they often find themselves benefiting from these crises, enhancing their political standing and support in Kerala, owing to the state's historical affinity to global leftist ideologies and the resonance of international events within its borders.
Response to Hamas attack
This time also the party did not hesitate to respond quickly on day one of the crisis when Israel was at the receiving end. The Politburo of the party came up with a statement denouncing the ‘attacks and counter attacks between Hamas and the Israeli forces; and stating that the confrontation must end, but making it clear with whom they stand on the issue historically’.
“The most right-wing Netanyahu government in Israel has been indiscriminately occupying Palestine lands and establishing Jewish settlements in the West Bank. So far this year, prior to this conflict, 248 Palestinian lives have been lost, including 40 children,” read the statement.
“The United Nations must ensure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people for a Home Land, withdrawal of all Israeli illegal settlements and occupations of Palestine lands and ensure the implementation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution for a two-nation solution. Palestine, in accordance with the UN resolution, with East Jerusalem as its capital must be implemented,” it further stated.
M A Baby, a member of the party's politburo and former Kerala minister, made it clear that the Prime Minister's stance in favour of Israel and alignment with the US is a clear deviation from India's historical approach of supporting Palestine and maintaining a non-aligned position in global politics.
India's historic support to Palestinian cause
"Historically, India has consistently supported Palestine's struggle for freedom and independence. Our foreign policy evolved through an anti-imperialist stance during our fight for national independence. Non-alignment is a fundamental aspect of our foreign policy. However, the current BJP government seems to be forsaking this historic principle to serve as a subordinate to the US," said Baby.
However, the rise of Hamas and the decline of the Fatah party and the PLO within Palestine have raised concerns even among leftist circles in India. The attacks on civilians outside of Gaza, who are not even considered 'illegal settlers' according to Hamas itself, have put the leftists who traditionally supported the Palestinian cause in a defensive position.
Nevertheless, the aggressive actions out of desperation from the Israeli side have somewhat provided them with a form of justification now.
“Hamas is not Palestine and Palestine is not Hamas. Let's not equate innocents with governments or a beleaguered country with a terrorist group. As we condemn Hamas, it’s important to call out the bombings and killings of innocent civilians and children in Gaza. Cutting off electricity, food and water for innocent children is a war crime. The relentless attack on innocents in Gaza needs to be condemned worldwide. Heard Netanyahu's statement on how a mighty country will attack innocent citizens in the days to come. Condemnable!” wrote Saira Shah Halim, a Kolkata-based activist, who had been the CPI(M) candidate in last year’s Ballygunge Assembly bypoll on her socials.
Congress stance
On the flip side, the Congress party has been exceedingly cautious in its response, outwardly showing solidarity with Palestine, but evidently with a rider.
"The CWC calls for an immediate cease-fire and for negotiations to begin on all outstanding issues including the imperative issues that have given rise to the present conflict," the grand old party said in a statement.
This statement follows a day after the party expressed its strong disapproval of the violent assaults against the Israeli population. Jairam Ramesh, the general secretary of the Congress, emphasised that his party has consistently advocated addressing the rightful desires of the Palestinian people through peaceful discussions, all the while taking into account Israel's security interests.
Reports indicate that Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala was dissatisfied with his party's attempt to strike a balance. In his youth Congress days, he had a close association with the PLO movement, which stemmed not only from his dedication to the Palestinian cause but also from his deep understanding of the political landscape in Kerala, knowledge that surpasses that of leaders like Jairam Ramesh or Shashi Tharoor.
Notably, not many Congress leaders from Kerala have expressed their views openly about the issue.
A growing dilemma
The BJP has openly backed Israel and the stance is being viewed as a golden opportunity to further its rhetoric against the Muslims and pro-minority politics. BJP leaders have been taking potshots at secular parties, accusing them of aligning with Hamas terrorists.
“Congress’s CWC resolution on the Israel war is a classic example of how Indian foreign policy was hostage to its minority vote bank politics, until Modi happened," said Karnataka MP, Tejasvi Surya.
In Kerala a new bloc has emerged, taking cue from the Hindutva forces and openly endorsing Israel. Interestingly, a number of individuals who align with Christian organisations such as CASA (Christian Association and Alliance for Social Action) have joined forces with the BJP, promoting their stance against the Palestinians on social media.
The rise of Hamas and the weakening influence of the PLO have caused a noticeable sense of uncertainty among the secular-minded political circles in Kerala regarding their stance on supporting the Palestinian cause. This uncertainty has managed to plant seeds of doubt in their minds, as they grapple with the evolving dynamics of the situation.
A prominent Palestinian intellectual living in Israel told The Federal that not only Keralites, but Palestinians too are caught up in the dilemma. The observer says that while it is clearly difficult to support Hamas, what people are ignoring is the desperation of people inside Gaza.
