Kozhikode: The political landscape of Kerala is buzzing with questions as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, once a fierce critic of corruption, now navigates his administration through a series of unprecedented graft allegations, including a highly publicised case against his own daughter.
The Proverb and the Paradox
In a powerful legislative speech on April 3, 1974, targeting then PWD Minister Divakaran over a bridge construction controversy, Mr. Vijayan famously quoted a local saying: “Kakkan Padikkumbol Nilkkan Padikkanam” (When you learn to steal, you must learn when to stop). Fast forward to his tenure as Chief Minister (since 2016), the politician who once wielded this moral yardstick now faces relentless scrutiny over issues ranging from gold smuggling to countless corruption allegations. For the first time in the state’s history, a Chief Minister’s family members have been under investigation, with speculations repeatedly rising about potential legal action against Mr. Vijayan and his children.
Building a Bridge to Delhi
Despite the mounting pressure, including the monthly payment case against his daughter, Veena Vijayan, which reached its zenith, no significant legal blow has landed. Political observers suggest Mr. Vijayan, often hailed as a master of political strategy, has skillfully “built a bridge to Delhi.”
This strategic maneuvering included bringing influential figures like K.V. Thomas, who has strong connections in the capital, into his fold. The efficacy of this political bridge became apparent when, during the peak of his daughter’s case, Mr. Vijayan visited Delhi, followed by an unusual meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This encounter, seen as highly significant, appeared to have rapidly cooled down the investigation against his daughter, and a subsequent case against his son was also reportedly stalled by the central authorities.
The narrative emerging is that the Chief Minister is now seen as a favourite of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
The CPI Parallel: The Dog and the Hearth
Further underlining this shift in political allegiance, Mr. Vijayan signed the PM SHRI scheme agreement, reportedly without consulting the CPI, a key ally in the ruling LDF. This move, interpreted by many as a clear statement that the CPI(M) trusts the BJP more than its own ally, has drawn a powerful analogy from critics: The CPI, much like a stray dog in the monsoon that returns to the warm ash near the hearth despite being chased away, will cling to the alliance out of an inherent political compulsion.
The message from Mr. Vijayan is clear: he is ready for any understanding with the BJP short of including them as a coalition partner in the 2026 Assembly elections.
