Intriguing Pressure Within CPM: The Caste Census Debate

Recent reports reveal mounting pressure within the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM regarding the contentious issue of caste census. This demand is being vociferously raised during district leadership meetings by the party’s tribal mass organization, the Scheduled Caste Welfare Committee (PKS). Various leaders have championed this cause in district committees as well.

PKS is urging CPM to take a proactive stance and implement the caste census in Kerala. Notably, K Somaprasad, a CPM state committee member, PKS state secretary, and former MP, has publicly supported the cause of caste census. While the party overall supports the notion of a caste census, some leaders believe that taking a public stance isn’t necessary given the current state context.

The push for caste census, however, is met with resistance within the party due to the ongoing financial crisis. Both CPM and the state government assert that conducting a caste census is not a priority at the moment. Despite economic reasons being cited, the opposition is rooted in emotional considerations.

Amidst this internal debate, Somaprasad has taken a bold step, demanding the implementation of caste census in the state, emphasizing its importance through a Facebook post titled ‘Sukumaran Nair and Caste Census.’

PKS advocates for a comprehensive survey assessing the economic and social progress of each community. If disparities are identified, measures for upliftment are deemed necessary. CPM does not fundamentally oppose this approach, as stated by K Somaprasad.