Pinarayi Vijayan slams T.K. Govindan, backs P.K. Shyamala in Taliparamba

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday (April 3, 2026) launched a sharp attack against former CPI(M) leader and UDF-backed independent candidate T.K. Govindan, accusing him of opportunism and betrayal ahead of the assembly election in Taliparamba.

Addressing a public meeting, Mr. Vijayan alleged that Mr. Govindan had shifted his political stance purely out of seat ambitions, terming his move as an act that goes beyond mere breach of trust.

“Positions must be based on clarity of ideology. Can differences with the LDF emerge overnight? If there were ideological differences, they should have been expressed long ago,” he said.

The Chief Minister further questioned whether Mr. Govindan had ever raised dissent against LDF policies in the past, asserting that his current stand reflects opportunism driven by denial of a party ticket. He also criticised the United Democratic Front for embracing such a stance.

Throwing his weight behind LDF candidate P.K. Shyamala, Mr. Vijayan described her as an experienced leader with long-standing public service across multiple levels.

He expressed confidence that she would secure a decisive victory. Calling upon voters to uphold the proud legacy of Taliparamba, the Chief Minister urged the electorate to ensure a resounding mandate for Ms. Shyamala in the upcoming polls.