Thiruvananthapuram, June 17 (IANS) For nearly three decades, former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan remained the dominant voice in the CPI(M) in Kerala, a leader whose political authority within the party often appeared unquestionable.

But the aftermath of the recent electoral setback has begun to reveal a shift, with criticism that was once confined to closed-door conversations now finding its way into public forums.

The latest developments within the CPI(M) suggest that the political space around Vijayan, once considered impenetrable, is witnessing its first visible cracks.

The party’s internal review discussions following the election defeat, along with remarks from senior leaders and the youth wing, indicate growing discomfort within the organisation over the party’s style of functioning, public image and its disconnect with voters.

Senior CPI(M) leader and Central Committee member Thomas Isaac’s remarks that the traditional public belief that communists do not indulge in corruption has been weakened have been widely interpreted as a veiled criticism of the former Vijayan government.

His warning that development achievements alone cannot win elections and that communists must live like communists has triggered political discussions within the party.

The criticism became more direct at the DYFI Pathanamthitta district conference, where a delegate reportedly questioned Vijayan’s controversial ‘go home and ask’ remark during the election campaign, saying such a style had harmed the party’s image.

The remarks from other senior leaders have added to the impression of an internal rethink.

Former Minister P. Rajeeve admitted that certain statements from the party had created a wrong perception among people, while CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby cautioned against the influence of right-wing tendencies entering the Left movement.

The CPI(M)’s own review document, while protecting the top leadership from direct blame, has acknowledged several political failures, including the handling of the Global Ayyappa Sangamam issue, candidate selection mistakes and erosion of sections of its traditional support base.

The timing of these developments has added another layer of political significance.

The emerging criticism comes on the day Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter Veena appeared before the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the CMRL-Exalogic case.

The ED had earlier conducted a search at Vijayan’s rented residence in Thiruvananthapuram as part of the investigation.

For years, challenges to Vijayan’s authority within the CPI(M) were rare and largely muted.

The current developments suggest that the party’s internal conversation has entered a new phase, one where concerns are no longer being expressed only behind closed doors.

Whether this marks the beginning of a larger correction process or merely a controlled expression of dissatisfaction remains to be seen.

But for the first time in years, the political narrative around Pinarayi Vijayan is being shaped not only by his critics outside the party, but also by voices from within.

–IANS

sg/dpb