Kozhikode: Strident trade unionism which has spoiled Kerala's image over the years has claimed another life. A 43-year-old man, who tried to eke out a living by driving an autorickshaw, died after he set himself on fire after facing stiff resistance from Leftist activists in Kerala’s Kozhikode district. He had earned their wrath for refusing to be a member of CITU, their trade union.
Rajesh of Elathur succumbed to the burns at the Medical College Hospital the other day.
"‘They will not let me live. Either they will kill us. Or we will starve to death,' This is what Rajesh told me on the night before he set himself on fire," Rajesh’s wife Rajeesha said before breaking down.
Rajesh was crestfallen after his attempts to find a means of income were frustrated by the activists of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM] and its trade union wing, CITU
(the Centre of Indian Trade Unions). Its activists had also allegedly assaulted Rajesh. They were miffed that Rajesh did not take the membership of CITU.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that Rajesh had suffered grievous injuries to his vital organs in the attack and this led to his death.
Opposition, assault
Recounting the events that led to her husband's death, Rajeesha said, "It is been three months since he bought an autorickshaw using a bank loan. But they did not let him work even for one day. Not only did they prevent him from entering the auto stand, they also threatened people from hailing his vehicle.”
Rajesh was assaulted by a bunch of CPM and CITU workers at Elathur on September 15. Soon after, Rajesh took the petrol kept in his autorickshaw and set himself on fire. The police have arrested four people, including former CPM panchayat member and CITU unit secretary, over the incident. Two more people are to be identified.
No work without CITU membership?
Rajesh initially collected mussels (kallumakkaya) from the sea and sold them for a living. As this was not very profitable, he took a loan of Rs 1.5 lakh from the bank to buy the autorickshaw. However, the leaders allegedly said that they would not let him enter the auto stand without taking the CITU membership.
"Though he tried three different spots, he was chased away from these places. Still, some of his acquaintances used to call him for rides. Even then other auto drivers, who were members of the CITU, would block his vehicle. They also issued death threats," Rajeesha said.
"Lying on the hospital bed, Rajesh told me that he decided to kill himself as he was sure that they would not let him live," she said.
Death threats were also issued against his wife.
Rajeesha of Puthiyangadi had married Rajesh eight years ago. Now, she is all alone at the small thatched house near SK Bazar. "All he wanted to do was live without troubling anyone," Rajeesha cried out in despair.