Thiruvananthapuram / New Delhi ∙ Former Health Minister and CPM central committee member KK Shailaja was barred by the party from receiving the Magsaysay Award, an international honour. Shailaja was selected for the Magsaysay Award, which is called ‘Asia’s Nobel’, in recognition of her excellent leadership in the prevention of Nipah and Covid diseases in Kerala.
But CPM General Secretary Sitaram Yachuri said that these are the result of joint efforts of the Left government and the health department and not the achievement of one person alone.
The decision was discussed in the public with criticism that it was the second historical folly of the CPM. The comparison is with the CPM’s rejection of the 1996 United Front decision to make Jyoti Basu the Prime Minister.
Yachuri said that the collective effort should have been recognized, but the Magsaysay Foundation only gives the award to individuals. Two other reasons were cited for rejection. This award is not given to active political leaders. Ramon Magsaysay (and later President) was the Secretary of Defense who suppressed communist rebels in the Philippines.
Shailaja also told the media that she declined the award following consulting the party. CPM State Secretary MV Govindan responded that Magsaysay was the biggest anti-communist who oppressed the workers.
The Award Committee is thanked; He clarified that he cannot accept the award personally. This should not be compared with Jyoti Basu’s rejection of the Prime Ministership. This is not personal. It should be seen that what the government has done in the health sector has been noticed.
KK Shailaja
The Magsaysay Foundation informed Shailaja regarding the award at the end of July. An email was then sent asking for willingness to accept the award. Shailaja informed the national and state leaders of CPM. The decision to reject was taken in a discussion held by both the leaderships.
The award was rejected as per the decision of the party. Shailaja is part of the party’s high-level decision-making body. As such, they are the party. Therefore, there is no need for the party to give instructions to them.
Sitaram Yachuri
KK Shailaja’s work as Health Minister received a lot of international attention, but she did not find a place in the second Pinarayi Cabinet. When MV Govindan became the state secretary of the CPM, the indications that Shailaja from Kannur might become a minister in that vacancy were misplaced. There are indications that the party will look into the background of the nomination for the Magsaysay award.
English Summary: KK Shailaja rejects Magsaysay award
