CPI Calls for Protection of Thekkinkadu Maidan's Secular Identity

The Communist Party of India (CPI) has called on the Kerala government to safeguard the secular and public character of Thekkinkadu Maidan and Thrissur Pooram, warning against alleged attempts by communal forces to redefine these iconic spaces. The appeal was made during a public convention organised by the CPI district council in Thrissur on Monday. K.K. Vatsaraj, MLA, demanded an immediate all-party meeting to address the issue.

A Symbol of Kerala’s Secular Spirit

“Thekkinkadu Maidan and Thrissur Pooram are reflections of Kerala’s secular spirit. They must not be surrendered to communal forces,” Vatsaraj stated at the event. He emphasised that the maidan is more than just a venue for festivals and public events—it is a vital public space where residents gather daily to play games, engage in discussions, and participate in public discourse.

The MLA highlighted the historical significance of landmarks within the maidan, such as Students’ Corner, Labour Corner, and Nehru Mandapam, which have hosted speeches by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. “Thekkinkadu Maidan is the heart of Thrissur, and its democratic character must be preserved,” he asserted.

Concerns Over Shrinking Public Spaces

Renowned poet Prof. K.G. Sankara Pillai, in a message read out at the convention, echoed concerns about the diminishing role of democratic public spaces. He criticised the growing tendency to refer to the maidan as the Vadakkunnathan Temple ground, arguing that such a shift subtly alters its inclusive identity. “When the maidan is identified exclusively with the temple, it creates the impression that its ownership belongs only to Hindus. This marks the beginning of cultural distortion,” he warned.

Prof. Sankara Pillai also condemned restrictions on political programmes at the maidan, stating that silencing democratic expressions while allowing religious activities risks portraying politics as impure and religion as sacred. He cautioned that communal politics, which he described as decaying faster than politics itself, could lead to fascist tendencies.

Call for Collective Action

The convention concluded with a strong appeal for democratic forces to resist any attempts to convert Thekkinkadu Maidan into an exclusive domain. “This fascist agenda must be opposed through legal, political, and cultural means,” Prof. Sankara Pillai urged. CPI district secretary K.G. Shivanandan presided over the meeting, reinforcing the party’s commitment to preserving the maidan’s secular and public essence.

Source: The Hindu