‘Ever looked in mirror, asked my son?’ CPM’s MV Govindan admits to criticism over body language

Thiruvananthapuram: CPM State secretary M V Govindan has admitted that his body language as party secretary has drawn criticism, even from within his own household. This candid admission was made during the CPM Thiruvananthapuram district committee meeting, which witnessed fierce criticism directed at both former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the party state secretary.

The committee criticised 'Pinarayi-ism' as a major setback that led to the election defeat. It was argued that the heavy loss was due to Pinarayi Vijayan’s 'one-man show', where whatever Pinarayi decided became the party's ultimate decision. The situation had escalated to a point where the government was virtually synonymous with Pinarayi Vijayan. Allegations were also raised that the leadership conspired to sideline K K Shailaja.

The meeting pointed out that the new regulation in the second Pinarayi government was introduced solely to prevent Shailaja from becoming a minister. The absence of Kodiyeri Balakrishnan is deeply felt within the party, the critics noted adding that Kodiyeri would never have adopted an indifferent attitude of letting leaders leave if they wished to do so.

Following these discussions, M V Govindan stated that the communication style of the leaders needs to change. He remarked that the functioning of the DYFI (Democratic Youth Federation of India) must improve and that the youth wing needs to engage more effectively on an organisational level. He added that the DYFI's interventions should extend beyond food packet distribution and general social work.

In a self-critical note, Govindan acknowledged the need for a change in his own behaviour. He revealed that he faces criticism even at home, sharing an instance where his son asked him if he ever looked in the mirror. His son also suggested that he should re-watch his own press conferences. Admitting that his body language during press briefings was inappropriate, Govindan promised to behave with greater maturity in the future.Pinarayi Vijayan also faced harsh criticism during the session. Questions were raised about what made Pinarayi so unique and why he alone was granted an exemption from the party's age limit. Some members pointed out that projecting Pinarayi as the Leader of the Opposition would be a challenge to the public. To this, M V Govindan countered by asking who else could be appointed as the Leader of the Opposition if not Pinarayi.