CPI (M)'s candidate from Madurai Su Venkatesan reveals how being a writer and activist will make him appealing to voters.
Su Venkatesan
Chennai:
Venkatesan has been a member of the CPI (M) for nearly three decades and had won the Sahitya Akademi award for his debut novel ‘Kaaval Kottam’ tracing six centuries of Madurai’s history. He was also at the forefront of the protest against the Centre's move to stop excavation at Keezhadi archaeological site. Excerpts from the interview:
How you see your transformation from a writer to a full-time politician contesting the Lok Sabha polls?
I have been a full-time CPI (M) worker for 25 years. I had contested in three elections – two local body polls and Thiruparakundram Assembly seat in 2006. This is my fourth election. I have been parallelly pursuing political and cultural activism. At times one will have upper hand over the other. As of now, the political part is having the upper hand.
How helpful would be your identity as Madurai chronicler and crusader in the fight to continue excavation in Keezhadi archaeological site in this election?
Madurai is not just another the city in Tamil Nadu. It is a Tamil cultural identity. I have brought out many such aspects and everyone in Madurai knows about Keezhadi and its importance. They also know why ancient civilisation should be unearthed and I told the world about it. All these will help connect with the voters.
Between your dual identity of a writer and the political activist which one would the voters prefer?
As a writer, I always talk about ethical politics. And as a politician, I have stood for the ethical issue. I never supported the cause of any corruption or wrongdoings. Whether it is literature or politics I always upheld the ethics. I hope people will understand my stand and vote.
What do you think Madurai lacks in?
Madurai lags far behind in the education, employment generation and industrial development in the state. Compared to Chennai, Coimbatore, Tirupur and Salem, Madurai is far behind in the industrial development and job creation.
What will be your plan of action for the temple town?
I am planning to bring out a separate manifesto for the development of Madurai. It will focus on three aspects - heritage, industry and IT. I think Madurai alone has the potential for the development of all these three sectors together and will work towards it if I am elected.
There seems to be an attempt to consolidate Thevar votes in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls. A day-long bandh was observed seeking naming of Madurai International Airport after Muthuramalingan Thevar. Do you think this will impact your prospects?
No. Only people-oriented and public welfare politics matters in the election.
Do you think the absence of former union minister MK Alagiri in DMK will impact you in the LS polls?
There is nothing like that. Yesterday I attended a DMK workers meeting and the district secretaries of the town and rural areas have openly challenged each other over which district will be garnering most votes. Our alliance is a strong one and there is a wave in its favour. We will win all the seats in the state among which Madurai will be one.
Sahitya Akademi award-winning writer and Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artistes’ Association president Su Venkatesan, who is contesting his fourth election, is CPI (M)’s candidate for Madurai Lok Sabha constituency.
Venkatesan has been a member of the CPI (M) for nearly three decades and had won the Sahitya Akademi award for his debut novel ‘Kaaval Kottam’ tracing six centuries of Madurai’s history. He was also at the forefront of the protest against the Centre's move to stop excavation at Keezhadi archaeological site. Excerpts from the interview:
How you see your transformation from a writer to a full-time politician contesting the Lok Sabha polls?
I have been a full-time CPI (M) worker for 25 years. I had contested in three elections – two local body polls and Thiruparakundram Assembly seat in 2006. This is my fourth election. I have been parallelly pursuing political and cultural activism. At times one will have upper hand over the other. As of now, the political part is having the upper hand.
How helpful would be your identity as Madurai chronicler and crusader in the fight to continue excavation in Keezhadi archaeological site in this election?
Madurai is not just another the city in Tamil Nadu. It is a Tamil cultural identity. I have brought out many such aspects and everyone in Madurai knows about Keezhadi and its importance. They also know why ancient civilisation should be unearthed and I told the world about it. All these will help connect with the voters.
Between your dual identity of a writer and the political activist which one would the voters prefer?
As a writer, I always talk about ethical politics. And as a politician, I have stood for the ethical issue. I never supported the cause of any corruption or wrongdoings. Whether it is literature or politics I always upheld the ethics. I hope people will understand my stand and vote.
What do you think Madurai lacks in?
Madurai lags far behind in the education, employment generation and industrial development in the state. Compared to Chennai, Coimbatore, Tirupur and Salem, Madurai is far behind in the industrial development and job creation.
What will be your plan of action for the temple town?
I am planning to bring out a separate manifesto for the development of Madurai. It will focus on three aspects - heritage, industry and IT. I think Madurai alone has the potential for the development of all these three sectors together and will work towards it if I am elected.
There seems to be an attempt to consolidate Thevar votes in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls. A day-long bandh was observed seeking naming of Madurai International Airport after Muthuramalingan Thevar. Do you think this will impact your prospects?
No. Only people-oriented and public welfare politics matters in the election.
Do you think the absence of former union minister MK Alagiri in DMK will impact you in the LS polls?
There is nothing like that. Yesterday I attended a DMK workers meeting and the district secretaries of the town and rural areas have openly challenged each other over which district will be garnering most votes. Our alliance is a strong one and there is a wave in its favour. We will win all the seats in the state among which Madurai will be one.