‘From distance to dialogue’: A ‘changed’ Pinarayi Vijayan emerges after political turbulence

Thiruvananthapuram, June 13 (IANS) For nearly a decade, Pinarayi Vijayan’s style of functioning as Kerala’s Chief Minister was defined by authority, distance and a carefully controlled public presence. But recent developments suggest a noticeable change in the body language of the veteran leader, who once appeared almost unreachable to the media and others.

Soon after assuming office in 2016, Vijayan discontinued the weekly Cabinet media briefing, a practice that had existed in Kerala politics for several decades.

He made it clear that he would speak to the media on his own terms and not according to the demands of journalists.

For long periods, the Chief Minister maintained a distance from the press, rarely engaging in open interactions.

In his first term, when Ockhi waves struck the state capital coast line in 2017, it was after several days that he reached the place and had to literally make a quick exit following the wrath of the locals for his late arrival.

During his second term, critics repeatedly accused him of becoming inaccessible, particularly during moments when public empathy was expected.

His absence from the scenes of several tragedies, including deaths caused by wild animal attacks, became a recurring point of criticism.

However, the political landscape changed dramatically after the Left Democratic Front suffered a major setback in the Assembly election.

The defeat triggered criticism not just from his own allies but also from sections within the CPI-M, where voices emerged questioning the style of governance and the growing perception of arrogance surrounding the administration.

The pressure intensified further after central agencies stepped up investigations connected to cases involving his family, including questioning related to his daughter.

The political atmosphere around Vijayan became increasingly challenging, with even questions being raised in some quarters about whether he should continue in a key leadership role.

Against this backdrop, the recent change in Vijayan’s public appearances has drawn attention.

Vijayan, early this week, was seen visiting the home of a family grieving the death of a member in a wild animal attack, an outreach that contrasted with the criticism that he had remained distant during similar tragedies in the past.

Another change came in Kozhikode, when Vijayan, on Saturday morning, made a surprise appearance before the media.

The interaction was striking not merely because he spoke, but because of the manner in which he did so.

The familiar image of him as Chief Minister who would make a statement and walk away appeared absent.

The body language was noticeably different, more restrained, more patient, and less confrontational.

He stayed through the interaction instead of making the abrupt exits that had become associated with his media appearances during the previous decade.

Whether this marks a permanent transformation or a response to changing political circumstances remains to be seen.

But the shift in public perception is already evident, a leader once known for keeping a distance from the public gaze now appears to be making an effort to reconnect, and questions have come if this comes a bit late, as even in his home town Kannur, things have changed dramatically.

–IANS

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