Kerala CPI-M faces internal revolt as senior leader P. Jayarajan calls for calm after criticism of Vijayan

Following the LDF’s heavy defeat in Kerala’s latest assembly election, the state Communist Party of India (Marxist) has witnessed unprecedented internal dissent aimed at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and state secretary M.V. Gowvindhan. The party’s representation fell to just 35 seats, prompting senior leader P. Jayarajan to break his silence.

In a Facebook post, Jayarajan urged party workers to cease public social‑media attacks that glorify him and target the leadership, urging criticism to be aired only within internal party forums. Posters in Kannur—traditionally a CPI‑M stronghold—have called for “P. Jayarajan to save the party,” reflecting growing frustration. The episode marks the first open challenge to Vijayan’s authority within the party in three decades.

Jayarajan’s intervention seeks to contain the unrest and prevent a broader split, reminding cadres that communist organizational discipline differs from other parties. The development signals a potential shift in Kerala’s political dynamics as the CPI‑M grapples with its worst electoral loss in years.