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The ascent of Mariam Alexander Baby, fondly known as MA Baby, to the esteemed position of all-India general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) marks a significant moment, not only within the political landscape of India but also for the Latin Catholic Church in Kerala. The transition of a former altar boy to the helm of a major political party evokes a sense of both surprise and admiration, particularly within the religious community from which he originated. This unexpected trajectory has resonated deeply with the members of his parish in Aipuzha-Prakkulam, located in Kundara, Kollam, as well as with the broader Diocese of Kollam, the first diocese established in India. The news of Baby's elevation, following what has been described as rigorous discussions akin to a papal conclave, was met with elation and keen interest, highlighting the interwoven nature of faith and politics in the region. The vicar of St. Elizabeth's Church, Prakkulam, Fr. Joe Antony, fondly recalled Baby's early days as a devout Catholic, serving as an altar boy and demonstrating a genuine fear of God. Despite his later embrace of atheism, Baby's connection to the church remains through his relatives, many of whom have dedicated their lives to the religious order as nuns and vicars. This enduring link underscores the complex relationship between personal beliefs and familial ties, even when individuals pursue divergent paths. The Almayars, the lay leaders of the church, engaged in earnest discussions following the Sunday service, reflecting on Baby's new role and his continuing relationship with the church. Fr. Antony personally congratulated Baby on his achievement, noting that, despite his infrequent attendance at church services, he was often seen at weddings and funerals, suggesting a continued sense of community and respect for tradition. The vicar Fr. Koe extended an invitation to Baby to attend the jubilee celebration of the 150-year-old church, as well as the function following the completion of renovations, signaling a desire to maintain a positive relationship with the newly appointed general secretary. The Latin Catholic Church in Kerala has generally responded favorably to the elevation of a leader from its community, viewing it as a positive development. This marks a historic moment, as it is the first time in the history of any political party in India that a leader from the Latin Catholic community has been elected to lead it nationally. A high-ranking official in the Thiruvananthapuram Latin Catholic Diocese, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized the significance of this inclusive step, particularly in a time when Christians are facing attacks in the name of religion and belief. The Kollam Diocese of the Latin Church openly welcomed the decision, recognizing the potential for enhanced understanding and cooperation between the political sphere and the religious community. The Diocese of Kollam, established by the Vatican in 1329, holds a significant place in the history of the Catholic Church in India, extending its influence from Kanyakumari to Pamba. MA Baby's journey from altar boy to the pinnacle of the Communist Party represents a fascinating intersection of faith, ideology, and political ambition. His story highlights the ever-evolving dynamics of Indian society, where traditional religious affiliations and modern political ideologies often coexist in unexpected and sometimes harmonious ways. It will be interesting to see how his leadership impacts the party's policies and approach to religious minorities in India. Furthermore, his connection to the Latin Catholic Church provides a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between the Communist Party and the Christian community, potentially fostering greater understanding and cooperation. This event also shines a light on the evolving nature of the Communist Party itself, indicating an openness to embracing leaders from diverse backgrounds and potentially signaling a shift towards a more inclusive and representative political landscape. Baby's leadership will be closely watched to see if this signals a lasting change within the party.
The narrative surrounding MA Baby's elevation to the general secretary post is rich in symbolism and socio-political implications. The initial comparison to a "papal conclave" in the decision-making process, while perhaps a journalistic flourish, serves to emphasize the gravity and thoroughness of the discussions within the CPI(M). It also cleverly contrasts the selection process within a staunchly atheist party with the traditions of the very religious institution from which Baby hails. This juxtaposition highlights the paradoxical nature of his journey and underscores the narrative's inherent intrigue. The fact that his former parish celebrated his success despite his atheism further reinforces the idea that personal relationships and community bonds can transcend ideological differences. The church's eagerness to maintain a connection with Baby, through invitations to significant events, speaks to the pragmatic recognition of his newfound influence and the potential benefits that could accrue from such a relationship. This is not necessarily a matter of overt political maneuvering, but rather a natural inclination to foster goodwill and maintain open lines of communication with individuals in positions of power. The anonymous comment from the Thiruvananthapuram Latin Catholic Diocese official regarding the "inclusive step" taken by the CPI(M) is particularly noteworthy. It reflects a cautious optimism within the Christian community, which has faced increasing challenges and perceived discrimination in recent years. The hope is that Baby's leadership will translate into policies that protect and promote the rights of religious minorities, sending a powerful message of inclusivity and tolerance across the nation. However, it's crucial to acknowledge the complexities and potential pitfalls of such expectations. Baby, as the leader of a Communist party, is bound by the principles of secularism and may face criticism if he appears to favor any particular religious group. Navigating this delicate balance will require careful diplomacy and a commitment to upholding the rights of all citizens, regardless of their faith. The historical context of the Diocese of Kollam, being the first in India established by the Vatican, adds another layer of significance to the story. It connects Baby's personal narrative to a broader historical narrative of Christianity in India, highlighting the long-standing presence and influence of the Latin Catholic Church in the region. His rise to prominence can be seen as a symbolic validation of the community's contribution to Indian society and a reaffirmation of its continued relevance in the face of changing political landscapes.
Analyzing the broader implications, MA Baby's appointment can be interpreted as a strategic move by the CPI(M) to broaden its appeal and shed its image as a party solely focused on class struggle. By elevating a leader with a strong connection to a minority community, the party may be attempting to project a more inclusive and representative image, attracting support from demographics that have traditionally been wary of its ideology. Furthermore, Baby's background as a former altar boy could potentially resonate with segments of the population who may feel alienated by the perceived secularism of the CPI(M). His personal journey, from devout Catholic to prominent Communist leader, could be seen as a testament to the party's tolerance and willingness to embrace individuals with diverse backgrounds and beliefs. However, it's important to avoid overstating the impact of Baby's religious background on his political ideology. As a committed Communist, he is undoubtedly guided by the principles of Marxism-Leninism, which are fundamentally opposed to religious dogma. His connection to the Latin Catholic Church is more likely to be a matter of cultural identity and personal history rather than a reflection of any substantive shift in his political beliefs. Nevertheless, his background provides him with a unique perspective and the potential to bridge the gap between the CPI(M) and the Christian community. The success of his leadership will ultimately depend on his ability to navigate the complexities of Indian politics, uphold the principles of secularism, and promote the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation. His actions will be closely scrutinized by both the Christian community and the broader political establishment, and his legacy will be judged on his ability to effectively represent the interests of all Indians, while remaining true to the core values of the Communist Party. The article's focus on the reactions within the Latin Catholic Church reveals the importance of identity politics in India. The fact that a political leader's religious background is seen as a significant factor in his suitability for office underscores the pervasive influence of religion in public life. While secularism is enshrined in the Indian constitution, the reality is that religious identity continues to play a significant role in shaping political allegiances and influencing policy decisions. This makes Baby's position all the more delicate, as he will be expected to represent the interests of his party while also being sensitive to the concerns of the Christian community. The challenge will be to strike a balance between these competing demands and to promote a vision of India where individuals are judged on their merits rather than their religious affiliation.
Source: M A Baby: From Altar boy to 'Pope' of Communist party