THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After proclaiming that he would not endorse personality cults, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was seen sitting on stage listening to a "song of praise" composed by a temporary employee of the Finance Department. The incident occurred during the golden jubilee celebrations of the Kerala Secretariat Employees Association.
The song, which included laudatory phrases like “Phoenix Bird,” “Brave Leader,” and “Commander,” was performed by Secretariat employees. The Chief Minister was escorted to the stage with this music playing in the background.
The song was sung again as the Chief Minister left the stage. The CM was seen as having a satisfied expression. The Golden Jubilee celebrations included the inauguration of the Golden Jubilee building at Oottukuzhi and a public meeting at Central Stadium. Initially, organizers had decided to stop the song after the Chief Minister inaugurated the building. This decision was likely due to the backlash surrounding the "Karanabhoothan" Thiruvathira controversy. However, the decision was later reversed.
When asked about the song, the Chief Minister had previously remarked that “a little bit of praise amidst criticism is acceptable.” During his speech, CPM District Secretary V Joy MLA defended the song, asking, “What is wrong if the welcome song mentions the Chief Minister’s name?"
"Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's contribution to building today’s Kerala is immense. Stating this fact seems to bother some people," Joy added.