Thiruvananthapuram,05 March(HS): Though colonial masters left India in 1947, their characteristics and traditions are still cherished and carried forward by the ‘brown sahibs’ who have taken over their places. Interestingly, the Communists are the new “colonial masters” of India, and they insist that ordinary folks address them using honorific titles. This was clearly visible during a calling attention motion in the Kerala Legislative Assembly moved by the opposition United Democratic Front.
The calling attention motion was on the ever-increasing murder and mayhem in Kerala since the Left Democratic Front under the leadership of Pinarayi Vijayan (CPI-M), came to power in 2016. Former leader of opposition, Ramesh Chennithala, the wannabe chief minister in the eventuality of Congress winning the 2026 assembly polls, asked Vijayan: “Mr Chief Minister, it is shocking to see the state of affairs in Kerala. You have to reply to questions like why there is unprecedented increase in the number of murders, suicides and drug abuse. During the last eight years of CPI-M rule, Mr Chief Minister, the State has gone from bad to worse. You should answer this query.”
Vijayan was taken aback by the words used by Chennithala and warned the Congress legislator to be careful while speaking in the House. It was clear that Chennithala addressing Vijayan as Mr Chief Minister did not go well with the latter. There was a wordy duel between the CPI-M and Congress members over this issue. Chennithala said he even addresses the country’s Prime Minister as Mr Prime Minister.
The CPI(M) insiders said that Vijayan prefers to be addressed as Your Excellency or Your Highness. He gets irritated when people address him as Chief Minister or Sir. “He reminds party leaders as well as cadres that he is the undisputed leader in India and should be addressed as either Your Excellency or Your Highness. People from other States are better advised to address our chief minister as Your Royal Highness or Exalted Highness,” said A Jayashankar, political critic. Vijayan’s spouse Kamala also prefers to be addressed as Princess Kamala.
Hindusthan Samachar / Manohar Yadavatti
