Thiruvananthapuram, May 7: The CPI-M and the Left Front in Kerala are witnessing unprecedented internal dissent against Pinarayi Vijayan‘s undisputed authority, a situation not seen in the last three decades. Senior party leader P. Jayarajan broke his silence shortly after the assembly elections, which saw the CPI-M-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) reduced to just 35 seats.
In a Facebook post, Jayarajan urged CPI-M workers to cease social media campaigns that glorify him while attacking certain sections of the party leadership. This intervention comes at a critical time when both Vijayan and state CPI-M secretary M.V. Govindan are facing extraordinary criticism following the party’s worst electoral defeat in Kerala’s history.
Posters demanding Jayarajan’s return to leadership have emerged in Kannur, traditionally viewed as a stronghold of the CPI-M. One prominently displayed slogan read, “Call P. Jayarajan, Save the Party.” Discontent is also rising against Kannur district secretary K.K. Ragesh, with many calling for a complete overhaul of state and district leadership. Despite this, Jayarajan is attempting to quell the rebellion.
Contrary to the Congress culture of rallying around leaders like “Indira, Sonia, save Congress,” he reminded party workers that communist organizational discipline is fundamentally different. He urged them to avoid airing grievances publicly on social media and instead address criticisms or suggestions through internal party channels.
These developments signal a dramatic shift in Kerala’s political landscape. Since becoming state CPI-M secretary in 1997, Vijayan has gradually established full control over both the party and the Kerala government. After his historic win in 2021, dissent within the party had largely remained hidden from public view. Now, it appears that silence has been broken, and Kerala is eagerly awaiting Vijayan’s response.