A pacifist and an arts lover is set to helm the CPI(M)

M.A. Baby, CPI(M) general secretary, known for cultural contributions, political career, and potential to revive party's fortunes.

M.A. Baby, elected general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Sunday, was Culture and Education Minister in the V.S. Achuthanandan-led government from 2006-2011 when a controversy erupted over a school curriculum revision.  

A lesson in the social science textbook for Class VII was titled Mathamillatha Jeevan (Jeevan, without religion), which was interpreted to be against religions and god. The controversy forced a change in the title to ‘Viswasa Swathantryam’ (Freedom of Belief) and the interreligious names of a boy and his parents mentioned in the lesson were revised to common nouns such as ‘boy’ and ‘parents.’  There was nothing against religion or god in the textbook, Mr. Baby said, seeking to assuage tempers that ran high.

A pacifist, Mr. Baby has been known for being a lover of the arts, music, and books. He was instrumental in artists Bose Krishnamachari and Riyas Komu making the efforts to relocate to Kochi and institute the Kochi Muziris Biennale.  

Born in Kollam, on April 5, 1954, as the son of P.M. Alexander and Lilly Alexander, Mr. Baby became an atheist. He developed an early interest in politics while a student at NSS High School Prakkulam. 

This initial spark grew stronger when he attended S.N. College in Kollam, where he actively participated in student politics during his pre-degree years and later as a student of BA, Political Science. His involvement in student and youth movements played a crucial role in shaping his political career as he emerged as a key member of organisations such as the Kerala Students’ Federation and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI). His student days were vital in shaping him as a leader and giving him a deeper understanding of political issues. 

He was the all-India president of both the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the DYFI. Later, he became a member of the central committee of the CPI(M). While he was a member of Rajya Sabha from 1986 to 1998, he represented Kundara in the Kerala Assembly from 2006 to 2016.  

He was elected to the Polit Bureau in 2012. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, he contested from the Kollam constituency but lost to N. K. Premachandran of the Revolutionary Socialist Party. Beyond his political roles, Mr. Baby is also an author, having written books on diverse subjects including Noam Chomsky, the youth movement, and education.