Thiruvananthapuram, June 17: For nearly three decades, former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has been a dominant voice in Kerala’s CPI(M). His leadership was rarely questioned within the party. However, following a recent electoral defeat, a shift is becoming evident. Criticism that was once confined to private discussions is now emerging in public forums.
Recent developments within CPI(M) indicate that the once-impenetrable political circle around Vijayan is showing cracks for the first time. The internal review discussions post-election, along with comments from senior leaders and the youth wing, reveal growing unease about the party’s operational methods, public image, and disconnect with voters.
Senior CPI(M) leader and central committee member Thomas Isaac’s remark that the traditional notion of “Communists do not engage in corruption” has weakened is widely interpreted as a veiled critique of the former Vijayan government. His warning that electoral victories cannot be secured solely through developmental achievements, and that Communists must remain true to their ideals, has sparked political discussions within the party.
At the DYFI’s Pathanamthitta district conference, criticism became more direct. A representative reportedly questioned Vijayan’s controversial remark during the election campaign, “Go home and ask,” stating that such comments have harmed the party’s image.
Additional remarks from other senior leaders have further reinforced the notion of internal reconsideration. Former minister P. Rajeev acknowledged that some party statements have created misconceptions among the public, while CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby warned against the influence of right-wing tendencies within the leftist movement.
In its review document, the CPI(M) leadership has acknowledged several political failures while avoiding direct blame. These include mismanagement of the ‘Global Ayyappa Sangamam’ issue, errors in candidate selection, and a decline in support from traditional bases.
The timing of these events adds another layer of political significance. This emerging criticism coincides with the appearance of Vijayan’s daughter, Veena, before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the CMRL-Exilogic case. The ED had previously conducted a search at Vijayan’s rented residence in Thiruvananthapuram as part of its investigation.
For years, instances of challenging Vijayan’s authority within CPI(M) have been rare and largely suppressed. Current circumstances suggest that internal discussions are entering a new phase, where concerns are being voiced not just behind closed doors. It remains to be seen whether this marks the beginning of significant reform or merely an expression of rising discontent.
Notably, for the first time in years, the political narrative surrounding Pinarayi Vijayan is being shaped not only by external critics but also by voices from within the party itself.
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