For almost thirty years, Pinarayi Vijayan has been a dominant figure in the CPI(M) in Kerala. However, following the recent Assembly election defeat, dissent against Vijayan has surged. Since joining the E.K. Nayanar Cabinet in 1996 and later becoming state secretary in 1998, Vijayan has consolidated power within the party, facing little opposition.
The political landscape within the CPI(M) has shifted significantly after the party’s defeat in the recent Assembly elections. The Left Front, which previously held 99 out of 140 seats, now only has 35 seats. This defeat has led to a wave of unprecedented dissent against Vijayan and state secretary M.V. Govindan. Criticism against Vijayan, once confined to the Politburo, has now spread to district-level meetings.
The discontent against Vijayan and Govindan has escalated, with district secretariat meetings openly questioning their leadership decisions. Leaders in Pathanamthitta and Kannur have criticized Vijayan’s leadership style and decisions. The criticism includes challenges to Vijayan’s appointment as Leader of the Opposition after the defeat and allegations of alienating grassroots party workers during the Left government’s tenure.
