'Even son criticsied my style'; CPM state secretary MV Govindan admits flaws

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM State Secretary M.V. Govindan openly admitted that his attitude while attending press conferences was flawed. Govindan admitted that his body language was problematic. The self-assessment came during the Thiruvananthapuram district committee meeting.

M V Govindan:

“Some people advised me to hold a press conference by gracing a smile. Others suggested that I keep a serious face. This led to little confusion.

There was even criticism from home. My son once asked me to rewatch my press conference to bring changes to my body language. Realising it was an important issue, I avoided asking questions back to the journalists.

My wife, P.K. Shyamala, told me that she was deliberately made a candidate despite everyone knowing that she would not win. Govindan also said that those criticising P.K. Shyamala's candidacy are advocates of male authoritarianism.

From the Thiruvananthapuram district committee meeting:

“In UP, Yogi Adityanath listens to the complaints of the common people by conducting an open event. In Kerala, the common man could not imagine coming close to the Chief Minister. Ministers M.B. Rajesh and Veena George were complete failures. The LIFE project also fell apart. Veena George lacked organisational awareness, and making her a minister in the first place was a mistake. Her responses to major issues were sometimes a setback. She often responded in a way that challenged the people..