The CPI(M)'s tableau of Sree Narayana Guru being crucified angers BJP, SNDP

 

Kerala CPI(M)’s Onam celebration rally on Sri Krishna Jayanthi day in Kannur has created a fresh controversy over the depiction of social reformist Sree Narayana Guru. One of the tableaus featured a man dressed like Sree Narayana Guru being crucified, with two men hammering nails to his hands.

 

The tableau which was part of a procession in Thaliparambu of Kannur district on Saturday was an obvious attempt to highlight the growing religious radicalism in the state, but what has made it controversial was that while one of the men crucifying the Guru was wearing a saffron turban, the other donned yellow colors. The saffron and yellow representing the Sangh/BJP and the Sree Narayana Guru Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP).

 

The BJP has taken umbrage to this and has called the CPI(M) tableau a vulgar attempt.

 

 SNDP General Secretary Vellappally Nadeshan told media that CPI(M) has officially become like Judas (the disciple who betrayed Jesus for thirty coins) as they have crucified Guru.

 

“CPI(M) has insulted Guru. Their aim is the devastation of Ezhavas ( Hindu caste in Kerala). Will they do this to Chattampi Swamikal? They are ready to do anything for acquiring power,” he said.

 

(Chattampi Swamikal was a Hindu sage and reformer and a contemporary of Sree Narayana Guru).

 

This comes at a time when the CPI(M) is at loggerheads with the SNDP for its proximity to the BJP. Various CPI(M) leaders had  criticized the SNDP, followers of the Guru who was a strong opponent of religion and caste systems, for their alleged plans to join BJP.

 

The communists in the state had earlier said that it was not appropriate for SNDP to get attached to religious groups as the Guru had taught them about one caste, one religion and one god for mankind.

 

The CPI(M) meanwhile has admitted that the tableau was perhaps not in good taste. State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has said that the tableau could have avoided. Kannur CPI(M) chief P Jayarajan told the media that the intention was only to show how the RSS and SNDP was crucifying the Guru's ideals, but it has been misinterpreted.