Communist rural councillors in Kerala

Gough, Kathleen

article

Communist rural councillors in Kerala

Journal of Asian and African studies • 3 (3-4) • Published In 1968 • Pages: 181-202

By: Gough, Kathleen.

Abstract
In 1957 the newly-formed Kerala state had the first Communist government to win a popular election in India. This paper discusses some of the dilemmas Communist activists encountered performing their duties as elected rural councilors. At times, councilors pragmatically softened their Communist rhetoric and partisanship to please members of opposition political groups, including those they otherwise labelled as "bourgeois" and "class enemy." At other times, councilors used their executive roles to deliberately manipulate the implementation of development programs and delivery of social services to benefit their landless supporters at the expense of the land-rich and their political allies.

Research and development

Public welfare

Social relationships and groups

Inter-community relations

Real property