Thiruvananthapuram, May 23: Discontent is surfacing within the CPI(M) following its electoral defeat in Kerala. Senior leader Pinarayi Vijayan is facing increasing criticism during party meetings, highlighting deepening internal divisions.
This unrest emerges as the party conducts a three-day review meeting in Delhi, from which Vijayan is notably absent. The party leadership is assessing the reasons behind the electoral loss and the growing dissatisfaction among its members.
The significant margin of defeat has shocked CPI(M) leadership, but it is the open dissent within the party that has raised eyebrows. For the first time in his long political career, Vijayan is confronted with demands for his resignation from within the party.
The most pointed criticism came during a meeting of the party’s Parassala area committee, where area secretary S. Ajaykumar called for Vijayan to resign from his legislative position as a demonstration of accountability. Ajaykumar held Vijayan fully responsible for the electoral defeat, asserting that he is unfit to lead the opposition and should step down with dignity.
This criticism is particularly noteworthy as Ajaykumar has long been considered a close ally of Vijayan, previously organizing cultural events in support of him.
Meanwhile, tensions also flared during the Thiruvambadi area committee meeting, where some members blamed P.A. Mohammad Riyas for the loss. Riyas, who is Vijayan’s son-in-law and a former minister, managed to secure victory in the Beepore constituency this time.
The controversy escalated when state committee member Chandran reportedly warned that disciplinary action could follow if evidence supporting allegations against Riyas was not provided. This occurred despite the party leadership’s ongoing assertion that open criticism is welcomed in review meetings.
Throughout various committee meetings across the state, CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan and Pinarayi Vijayan faced sharp criticism regarding their leadership style, public conduct, and handling of sensitive issues.
Leaders have noted that statements like “Kadakku Purath” and “Dash Mone” have politically backfired, distancing voters from the party.
Despite the mounting pressure, there are no signs of significant leadership changes. Reports suggest that the central leadership has already approved Vijayan’s continuation as the leader of the opposition in the Kerala Assembly.
CPI(M) is increasingly concerned that this defeat marks its third major electoral disappointment in a row. The party previously faced poor performances in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the 2025 local body elections.
Each time, the leadership claimed a comeback was imminent, yet the party has failed to achieve the expected improvements. This situation poses the most significant crisis for the once-invincible leftist stronghold in decades.
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