For the first time in recent Kerala political history, the CPI(M)’s inner circles are witnessing open anger and criticism towards former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and party state secretary M.V. Govindan following the Left Democratic Front’s significant defeat in the Assembly elections. Party insiders are surprised by the intensity and personal nature of the criticism directed at Vijayan, who previously held unquestioned authority within the party and government.
During a Thiruvananthapuram district secretariat meeting, leaders openly criticized Vijayan’s arrogance, inaccessible public image, and confrontational body language, attributing these traits to alienating ordinary voters. Some members expressed that Vijayan’s style had become disconnected from common people, with press conferences reflecting impatience rather than confidence.
Notably, Govindan himself acknowledged the widespread criticism faced by Vijayan, sharing a politically symbolic incident where his own son questioned his father’s body language and press conference conduct. This remark has circulated widely within party circles as a sign of the unprecedented backlash against both Vijayan and Govindan.
Criticism extended to the Chief Minister’s Office culture, with allegations that ordinary party workers and citizens found it challenging to access. Concerns were raised about Vijayan being exempted from the party’s age norms while other senior leaders and state committee members were denied election opportunities. Cabinet colleagues M.B. Rajesh and Veena George also faced severe criticism for their performance and ministerial functioning, seen as significant liabilities for the party.
Senior CPI(M) leaders acknowledge privately that Vijayan and Govindan have never before encountered such direct, widespread, and emotionally charged criticism from within the organization. The post-defeat meetings are revealing deep unrest within the party, signaling a potential larger battle over accountability and the party’s future direction.
