Internal Dissent Grows in CPM as Pinarayi Vijayan Faces Calls to Resign
CPM dissent widens as ‘Karana bhuthan’ Pinarayi Vijayan faces calls to quit Kerala LoP, MLA posts
Mathrubhumi English
Image: Mathrubhumi English
Following electoral setbacks in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, internal dissent is rising within the Communist Party of India (Marxist) regarding Pinarayi Vijayan's leadership. Criticism has emerged from grassroots leaders, including calls for Vijayan to resign as opposition leader and MLA, highlighting concerns about his leadership style and decision-making.
- 01S. Ajayakumar, CPM Parassala area secretary, has publicly stated that Pinarayi Vijayan is 'not fit to be opposition leader' and should resign.
- 02Ajayakumar previously praised Vijayan at a 2022 CPM district conference, where he was involved in events celebrating Vijayan's leadership.
- 03Concerns have been raised about Vijayan's public interactions with controversial figures, which some party members believe may alienate minority communities.
- 04Criticism has also been directed at party state secretary M.V. Govindan for his ineffective communication with party workers and the public.
- 05Internal complaints suggest that party cadres feel reduced to executing orders without any discussion or input.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
In the wake of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, which resulted in a significant setback for the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), internal dissent is surfacing regarding the leadership of Pinarayi Vijayan. S. Ajayakumar, the CPM Parassala area secretary, has publicly criticized Vijayan, stating he is 'not fit to be opposition leader' and should resign from his position as MLA. This criticism is notable given Ajayakumar's previous role in promoting Vijayan at party events, where he was celebrated as 'karana bhuthan' or the driving force behind the party's success. The discontent within the party extends beyond individual criticisms, as broader concerns about Vijayan's leadership style and decision-making processes are being voiced. Members have expressed unease about Vijayan's interactions with controversial figures, fearing these may alienate minority communities. Additionally, M.V. Govindan, the party state secretary, faces scrutiny for his communication style, which has been described as difficult for ordinary members to understand. Overall, the internal strife reflects a growing demand for leadership accountability within the CPM following electoral failures.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The internal dissent within the CPM could lead to significant changes in leadership and party strategy, affecting local governance and party cohesion.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Should Pinarayi Vijayan resign as opposition leader?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.




