In a significant political development from Kerala, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has executed a swift reversal on its decision to approach the Election Commission against a controversial parody campaign song. The party's initial stance, which threatened legal action over the song 'Pottiye Kettiye,' was withdrawn following a directive from the government to refrain from further action in the case.
A Swift Change in Stance
The controversy centered around a parody song that has been circulating as part of an election campaign. CPM Pathanamthitta district secretary Raju Abraham had earlier announced firm plans to file a formal complaint with the Election Commission, citing serious concerns. He had raised specific objections to the use of Lord Ayyappa's name within the song's lyrics, arguing that it violated electoral laws that prohibit the use of religious symbols to influence voters.
Abraham had been emphatic, insisting that the issue was a clear violation and needed to be addressed through an official complaint, which he indicated would be filed the very next day. This position was reportedly solidified during a CPM district secretariat meeting held on Thursday, where the leadership initially agreed to pursue the complaint.
The Official U-Turn and Clarification
However, by Friday, the party's position had undergone a complete transformation. Addressing the media, Raju Abraham presented a markedly different narrative. He stated that the CPM would now decide on the matter after further consideration, effectively putting the complaint on hold indefinitely.
In his revised statement, Abraham sought to distance the party from the controversy. He clarified that the complaint against the song was not officially filed by the CPM but by an independent organization called the Thiruvabharana Path Samrakshana Samithi. He emphasized that the communist party has no connection to this separate entity's actions.
Emphasis on Freedom of Expression
Most notably, Abraham used the opportunity to reaffirm the party's ideological principles regarding free speech. "The CPM is not a party that interferes with freedom of expression," he told reporters. He stressed that the party is not against the parody song itself and stands firmly for the right to expression, seemingly contradicting the earlier urgency to seek EC intervention.
This reversal highlights the complex interplay between political strategy, legal considerations, and public perception during election periods. The government's directive to avoid further action appears to have been a key factor in prompting the CPM's reconsideration, steering the party away from a potentially contentious legal and public relations battle over a cultural and political satire.
