Kerala Chief Minister and senior CPM leader Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed concern over what he described as an unusual trend of parliamentary ambitions emerging among some leaders in the party.
“It is concerning to see some leaders adopting habits that go against our party’s established culture, possibly influenced by recent societal shifts,” he said.
In an interview with a Malayalam news channel, Vijayan noted that certain leaders are exhibiting tendencies that contradict the party’s past norms.
Referring to CPM leaders G. Sudhakaran, V. Kunhikrishnan, and T. K. Govindan—who are contesting the Assembly elections as Independents with Congress support in Ambalappuzha, Payyanur, and Taliparamba, respectively—Vijayan said: “It is undeniable that certain leaders are adopting atypical behaviours that were previously unheard of within our party. This is likely a result of evolving times.”
“They have irreparably tarnished their legacy by committing the ultimate betrayal—conspiring with opponents to sabotage the party,” he added.
Vijayan also rejected allegations that Sudhakaran had been sidelined within the party. “Sudhakaran was never sidelined; in fact, he was one of the most widely accepted leaders in the party,” he said.
He added that despite calling Sudhakaran three times, the latter did not respond. Efforts to reach him through the Alappuzha district secretary also proved unsuccessful.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the party has set an age limit of 75 for its leaders. He said Sudhakaran had resisted this standard practice, even though he was invited to attend party functions in Alappuzha.
On the exclusion of K. K. Shailaja—a prominent figure in his first cabinet—from the second cabinet, Vijayan clarified that the decision was not targeted at any individual but was part of the CPM’s long-standing organisational discipline. When asked why a globally recognised “performer” was left out, he gave a measured response focused on party policy.
Explaining her shift from Mattanur to Peravoor, Vijayan said Shailaja was moved because the party was confident of retaining Mattanur, allowing her to be deployed in a different constituency.
Responding to T. K. Govindan’s allegation that he was denied a ticket, Vijayan said the party follows a structured process in candidate selection.
Addressing the controversy over fielding P. K. Shyamala, wife of CPM state secretary M. V. Govindan, from Taliparamba, Vijayan said she is a senior leader in her own right.
He also denied allegations of favouritism towards PWD Minister P. A. Mohammed Riyas, his son-in-law, stating that ministerial responsibilities are decided collectively by the LDF. “He earned his position through his political work, not personal relations,” he said.
On whether K. K. Shailaja could be the next Chief Minister, Vijayan said neither the CPM nor the LDF decides on the Chief Ministerial candidate before election results are announced.