This is the opportune time to correct mistakes

The fourth anniversary celebrations of Pinarayi Vijayan-led second Left Democratic Front government that secured a historic victory has begun in Kasaragod on Monday. As part of the celebrations taking place from April 21 to May 30, extensive programmes including exhibition and market fairs, and art programs alongside regional and district level meetings, in which the Chief Minister will participate, have been organized. The government is to set forth the theme of ‘Developed Kerala' for the fourth anniversary, highlighting projects including the national highway, Vizhinjam port, the start of Wayanad rehabilitation, hilly and coastal highways, LIFE project, KIIFB projects, welfare pension, city gas as its achievements. Even as the Centre is choking the government by putting strictures on borrowing as well as denying due share, the Pinarayi administration could get along without much difficulty even in reducing welfare pension arrears is a major achievement. Its resistance against the BJP government's move to subverting federalism was also commendable.

At the same time, one cannot overlook the severe criticism that the government is facing from various quarters on the occasion of its fourth anniversary. The only Left-wing government in the country is in Kerala. However, even the Left-wing observers raise the criticism that the shady dealings in Home Department, the vindictive approach towards ASHA workers and job aspirants are reminiscent of a hard core right-wing government. Its policy of sinking the state in liquor is frightening. Every day Kerala is witnessing how God’s own country is being gripped by alcohol and drugs. The atrocities committed overtly and covertly by those addicted to alcohol and drugs have become intolerable to the society. How can the government’s anti-drug stance of calling for people’s movement against narcotics be taken seriously when it is overzealously making liquor available across the state? Alongside offering relaxations in liquor policy, its decisions to start liquor companies, open more bars, and sell alcohol in upscale hotels even on Dry Day are only expanding trust deficit. Does the government machinery that systematically criticizes the ASHA workers fighting for their rights in both rain and shine in the capital for months remember that the first Pinarayi government overcame the Covid crisis on the strength of the ASHA workers’ sacrifice and service? The CPO rank holders, protesting for more than two weeks, finally left the place in tears after burning their hall tickets. Nothing that protesting ASHAs and candidates did including cutting their hair, rolling on the ground and crawling on their knees open the eyes of the government. On the other hand, the government and the Left leaders in the new era treat protesting as a serious crime. Recommending ADGP MR Ajith Kumar, notorious for ransacking Thrissur pooram, for President’s Medal for Distinguished service points to how casually government is viewing policing in the state. It cannot be denied that many Left leaders and ideologues are in fact not interested in deterring those who try to gain ground through hate speech and anti-minority stance but instead pave the way for them. The monthly payment controversy involving the Chief Minister's daughter is still looming large.

The government should at this eleventh hour be ready to openly approach criticism and protests alongside initiating corrective measures, rather than being overwhelmed by the praise of sycophants. The first priority should be given to weeding out communalism and drugs. Let this anniversary celebration be the opportune time for it. The people of Kerala who have handed another term to the government deserve at least that, or more.