'Pinarayi's arrogance was one of the main reasons for defeat'; CPM meeting sees harsh criticism against former CM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Strong criticism was raised against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during the Thiruvananthapuram district secretariat meeting of the CPM held after the party’s election defeat. Leaders at the meeting reportedly said that Pinarayi Vijayan’s arrogance was one of the main reasons for the party’s defeat in the state. Criticism was also raised against his body language and public behaviour, with some leaders saying that ordinary people could not relate to him and that his style often appeared distant from the public. Questions were also raised over whether he should continue as the Leader of the Opposition.

Some members reportedly said that Pinarayi Vijayan’s remark asking a person to “go home and ask questions” had different meanings politically. Leaders also pointed out that he had once stopped a CPM worker from taking a selfie with him. Questions were raised over why only Pinarayi Vijayan was given relaxation in the party’s age limit rule, while even state committee members were denied opportunities to contest elections. Some leaders reportedly argued that making him the Opposition Leader would amount to challenging public sentiment.

However, state secretary M V Govindan defended Pinarayi Vijayan during the discussions. He reportedly asked who else could become Opposition Leader and said there was no other senior leader in the party with similar experience.

Criticism was also directed at the Chief Minister’s Office. Leaders compared the situation in Kerala with Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh, saying ordinary people could easily meet him there, while common people found it difficult to access the CM’s office in Kerala. Some members even alleged that people wearing worn-out clothes were asked to stand aside. Among the ministers, M. B. Rajesh and Veena George faced strong criticism during the meeting. The gathering reportedly described both ministers as complete failures. Veena George was criticised for lacking organisational awareness, and some leaders said people without organisational understanding should not be made ministers. Her earlier statement challenging critics to “meet in Pathanamthitta town” was also criticised as being directed against the public.