Media-shy no more? Pinarayi Vijayan steps back into the spotlight ahead of polls

Thiruvananthapuram: As Kerala heads towards Assembly elections expected by April–May 2026, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan appears to be recalibrating his public outreach, particularly his relationship with the media.

Known for maintaining a guarded and often adversarial stance since taking office in 2016, Vijayan has recently increased the frequency of media briefings, signalling a strategic change as political stakes rise.

Soon after assuming office, Vijayan discontinued the traditional weekly cabinet press briefings and moved away from the informal practice of offering on-the-spot comments to journalists. Instead, his communication relied on carefully curated statements and selective appearances, leading to long gaps without direct media interaction. This approach drew sustained criticism from journalists and opposition parties, who argued it weakened transparency and democratic accountability.

The recent shift follows the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front’s disappointing performance in the December local body elections, widely interpreted as an early warning ahead of the Assembly polls. Against this backdrop, Vijayan has held press conferences addressing a range of issues, including international developments such as the United States’ actions against Venezuela, as well as state-specific matters like public sector undertakings, the Justice JB Koshy Commission report on Christian minorities, and a proposed protest against the Centre’s financial policies towards Kerala.

Another visible change has been in the Chief Minister’s security arrangements. Previously criticised for an oversized convoy, Vijayan has recently been seen travelling with a significantly reduced fleet of vehicles, a move viewed as symbolically distancing himself from perceptions of excess and aloofness.

Together, these developments suggest a conscious effort by the Chief Minister to project accessibility and responsiveness at a time when electoral politics demands greater public engagement. As Kerala’s political climate intensifies, Vijayan’s renewed interaction with the media indicates an acknowledgement that governance alone may not suffice without sustained visibility and dialogue in the run-up to the polls.