In the latest twist in Indian political drama, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has outdone itself in a display of organizational disarray so spectacular, it makes the Tower of Babel look like a well-oiled machine. Recently, CPI(M) MLA Mukesh Kumar, known for his exceptional ability to turn routine governance into a soap opera, has found himself in the middle of a scandal that would make even a Bollywood scriptwriter think, “Too dramatic.”
Reports suggest that Mukesh Kumar, a stalwart of CPI(M) and once a paragon of leftist virtues, has been embroiled in an affair so scandalous, it’s reportedly sparked heated debates over whether to add it to the party’s curriculum for ‘Political Science Fiction.’ Kumar’s alleged involvement in the controversy has become a masterclass in how not to maintain party discipline, prompting many to question the party’s ability to manage its own house, let alone safeguard the public.
Adding a pinch of piquancy to the tale, prominent leftist leader and women’s rights advocate Brinda Karat has entered the fray. Karat, renowned for her sharp critique of patriarchal structures, didn’t hesitate to launch a scathing denouncement of Kumar. She declared, “The party’s attempt to sweep this scandal under the rug is an insult to our values. If CPI(M) can’t uphold discipline among its own ranks, how can it promise to provide a safe environment for the common citizen?”
Karat’s critique is particularly biting given CPI(M)’s long-standing reputation for promoting discipline and moral high ground. Kumar’s scandal, thus, is seen not merely as a personal failing but as an indictment of the party’s broader inability to manage internal affairs.
As CPI(M) scrambles to salvage its reputation, one must wonder if its leadership is brainstorming ways to turn scandal management into an art form. Perhaps the next party conference will feature a new module: Crisis Management: How to Disarm Scandals with a Smile.
In sum, CPI(M)’s current predicament serves as a reminder that even the most ideologically sound parties can falter under the weight of their own contradictions. If the party’s ability to maintain discipline is any indication, the safety of the citizenry might be best left to someone—or something—more reliable.