Sarath Sasikumar

After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, there has been an increasing shift from class-based politics to politics based on mobilising “people” within the left-wing political praxis and rhetoric. Such tendencies are visible even within the left rhetoric in Kerala. In the particular context of Kerala, this process is enmeshed with sub-nationalist sentiments and concerns around vikasanam (development). It is possible that this tendency can metamorphose into different directions, depending on the tactical priorities of the left in Kerala.

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Kerala Elections 2021

Vol. 56, Issue No. 22, 29 May, 2021

Balu Sunilraj, Sarath Sasikumar

The victory of the Left Democratic Front in the elections to Kerala legislative assembly needs to be contextualised within certain key social and economic developments that the state witnessed in the last five years. While doing so, certain narratives that have emerged in the media about possible factors responsible for the LDF victory need to be critically engaged with.

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Countering the Left by Moving Rightwards

Vol. 56, Issue No. 8, 20 Feb, 2021

Sarath Sasikumar, Balu Sunilraj

The palpable rightward shift of the Congress in Kerala, specifically with regard to Sabarimala, is consistent with the conservative political posturing which the party has for long articulated in the state, especially towards questions around social reforms. However, the present positioning, with its proximity to a narrative of Hindu victimhood, has also gained some new dimensions.