Kerala CM under fire in controversies surrounding Home Department

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is grappling with considerable criticism and political isolation as allegations concerning the Home Department swirl around him. Unlike in previous crises, leaders within the ruling CPM and its coalition allies have notably failed to come to his defence. 

The Chief Minister's position has been further weakened by the silence of CPM's cyber units and the absence of prominent CPM leaders willing to address the media. The party's current stance is that Vijayan should take direct action regarding the recent allegations against the Home Department. While some prominent Politburo members including M.A. Baby and A. Vijayaraghavan has commented on the Thrissur controversy, they have not addressed the issue involving the ADGP.

The silence from most ministers and leaders is palpable, with only a few like A.K. Balan, Saji Cherian, M.B. Rajesh, and P.A. Mohamed Riyas speaking out. Criticism has also been directed at the government's perceived ‘minimisation’ of the importance of the alleged meeting between the RSS and the ADGP.

On social media, CPM’s cyber groups are abuzz with posts expressing frustration and dissent. Notably, a post by former Malappuram district secretary P.P. Vasudevan compared the situation to the fall of Bhishma in the Kurukshetra war, highlighting internal party discontent.

Amid ongoing criticism, there are questions about whether the government and the CPM have become excessively sectarian, with concerns raised about the government’s overall handling of the situation.

Even as M.V. Govindan questioned how the CPM could be held responsible for the ADGP’s whereabouts, frustration has erupted within the party’s cyber groups. Concerns are mounting over the perceived connections between police leaders and right-wing groups, sparking questions about whether even the leftist government and party have succumbed to the widespread ‘saffronisation’ of institutions in the country. There are widespread allegations that the state government is adopting a ‘soft stance’ towards the ADGP Ajith Kumar who is involved in the controversy. 

Some party members have further expressed their dissatisfaction by using a photo of former Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan as their social media profile picture, openly challenging the current leadership.