Just like the saying 'Always the trees that bear fruit are stoned,' the hallmark of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the LDF government he leads is their ability to function effectively despite criticism and accusations. The Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government will complete ten years in office by 2026, when Kerala celebrates the 70th anniversary of its formation. Having completed nine years in power over two terms, the government recently concluded a month-long series of diverse celebratory events with a grand rally in Thiruvananthapuram. It was during this time that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also turned 80. We take this opportunity to wish Pinarayi Vijayan a happy birthday and to congratulate all members of the Cabinet as the LDF government steps into its tenth year, having made history by securing a consecutive term.

A notable gesture was Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar visiting Cliff House to personally extend birthday wishes to the Chief Minister. Though criticisms and dissent persist, Kerala’s political landscape for the past quarter-century has largely revolved around Pinarayi Vijayan. Despite numerous allegations, it’s evident that the people of Kerala trust his words as Chief Minister. A leader’s efficiency is often revealed in times of crisis. During his first term, Kerala faced Nipah, Ockhi, COVID-19, and the great floods—challenges that could have destabilised any government. However, Pinarayi Vijayan’s leadership in uniting the state to overcome these crises is what earned him the people's mandate for a second term. Even during natural disasters in places like Wayanad's Chooralmala in the second term, the government managed to bring the state together in solidarity.

The 2021 assembly election took place amid intense controversy, including allegations over the diplomatic gold smuggling case. Despite this, the LDF made history with an increased majority, winning 99 seats compared to 91 previously, under Pinarayi Vijayan's leadership. Allegations continue to surface, but the development initiatives carried out over the past nine years in Kerala have been remarkable. Some of these projects were initiated by the previous UDF government or had strong central support. However, it was the LDF government’s willpower and leadership in implementing them that set it apart.

It was Kerala Kaumudi that first pointed out Pinarayi Vijayan as a future Chief Ministerial candidate. On November 6, 2013, the day after the trial court acquitted him in the Lavalin case, we published a report titled 'Now, Chief Minister Candidate'. We had observed then that he had the potential to bring transformative development to Kerala. Projects like Vizhinjam and many others were realised under this government. The government also showed swift action in acquiring land for national highway development. Those who are now criticising the government over the issues caused by the lapses on the part of the National Highway Authority should reflect on their own contributions to land acquisition efforts.

Pinarayi’s government is now stepping into its tenth year with the political agenda of continuity of governance firmly established in Kerala’s political narrative. The current debate centres around whether Pinarayi Vijayan can secure a rare “hat-trick” victory in 2026. The opposition calls it a daydream. Ultimately, everything will depend on the next twelve months of LDF governance.