Controversies involving Pinarayi Vijayan

Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has faced scrutiny regarding both political activities and administrative conduct.

In Delhi, Vijayan and CPI(M) MP John Brittas were detained by police during a protest outside Kerala Bhawan. Vijayan characterized the event as a “ruthless crackdown on democracy,” alleging that the government is using state repression to silence demands for accountability. Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan condemned the detention as arbitrary.

Separately, an expert committee report led by former Finance Secretary Sudha Pillai has flagged irregularities in land acquisitions conducted under the previous LDF government. The report indicates that Pinarayi Vijayan pushed for urgent acquisitions through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) to support industrial development. The committee raised concerns that land was purchased at prices reportedly as high as five times the market value, specifically noting high costs in Kannur and Palakkad. While these acquisitions were intended for industrial use, no work has commenced in Kannur, leaving hundreds of small landowners unable to use or mortgage their land due to the pending acquisition status.