Govindan Launches ‘Rescue Mission’ for Pinarayi Vijayan and P Jayarajan

In a recent press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, CPM state secretary M V Govindan addressed concerns raised by the CPM Central Committee in its ‘Review of the 18th Lok Sabha Elections’. The committee had noted that “instances of arrogant behaviour of cadres – from top to bottom – are alienating people from the Party.” Govindan clarified that this critique applies to all six-and-a-half lakh party members in Kerala, excluding Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Govindan emphasized the need for self-reflection and rectification among party members. “Every party member, including those in leadership positions, should identify their problems and initiate rectification measures,” he stated. He confirmed that the party has indeed identified instances of arrogant behaviour, as implied by the Central Committee’s report.

When questioned about whether the Chief Minister’s style of functioning was under scrutiny, Govindan vehemently denied it. “If you are trying to say that the crux of the CC document is that the CM should change his style, it is not that,” he asserted. He also clarified that the issue of arrogant behaviour was identified by the Kerala unit of the party, not imposed by the Central Committee.

The topic of the Chief Minister’s ‘rescue mission’ comment was also brought up. Initially, Govindan tried to downplay it as a manner of speaking. However, he later defended the CM’s statement, reiterating that ‘rescue mission’ aptly describes actions taken to prevent harm, such as stopping someone from getting knocked down by a bus. He insisted that these actions are not examples of arrogant behaviour.

Govindan also defended P Jayarajan, who, along with his son, was recently accused of having close links with criminal gangs. Govindan highlighted the party’s long-standing stance against unlawful activities like smuggling and forceful confiscation of smuggled gold. “People indulging in such criminal activities have no place in the CPM,” he said, adding that P Jayarajan is not involved in any such activities and is actively guiding the party in its corrective measures.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Context: CPM Central Committee’s ‘Review of the 18th Lok Sabha Elections’ criticized arrogant behaviour among party members.
• Govindan’s Clarification: Critique applies to all party members in Kerala except Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
• Call for Rectification: Govindan urged all members to identify and rectify their problems.
• Denial of Criticism Towards CM: Govindan denied that the Central Committee’s report suggested a change in the Chief Minister’s style.
• ‘Rescue Mission’ Comment: Govindan defended the CM’s ‘rescue mission’ statement, stating it is not an example of arrogant behaviour.
• Defense of P Jayarajan: Govindan defended P Jayarajan against accusations of criminal links, emphasizing the party’s stance against unlawful activities.