Laugh all you want, but laugh at your own risk. It may very well be your last.
This is the advice the CPI(M) mouthpiece in Kerala, Deshabhimani, has given to its own Chief Minister, V.S. Achuthanandan.
A weekly commentary, The Celebratory Laughter, said there was no need to correct those who believe that this loss is the end of the road for the party.
When results were out on May 16, CPI(M) leaders generally avoided the media, but the chief minister called a press conference. Every one expected a dejected CM, but Achuthanandan was found in a rare jovial mood, cracking jokes.
“It is not a verdict against my government,” he said, squarely blaming his rival and party secretary Pinarayi Vijayan for the debacle.
Asked “Are you happy with this outcome?” the CM replied with another question — still smiling — “Do you want me to cry now?”