Taliparamba MLA T.K. Govindan declines to comment on Pinarayi Vijayan’s criticism

Former CPI(M) leader and Taliparamba MLA T.K. Govindan has declined to respond to criticisms made by Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan during a recent meeting in Mayyil, Kannur, Kerala. The Hindu reported on Monday that Govindan’s office staff stated he was not inclined to comment at the moment. Vijayan is set to speak at another public gathering in Taliparamba on Monday evening, after which Govindan is anticipated to address the criticisms, according to the office staff.

At the Mayyil meeting, Vijayan urged party cadres to acknowledge their mistakes and work towards strengthening the party. He specifically targeted those who voted for Govindan, including LDF supporters, and suggested they reconsider their political alignment. Vijayan also referenced the LDF’s defeat in Taliparamba and advocated for unity within the party.

Additional criticisms were voiced by K.K. Ragesh, secretary of the CPI(M) in Kannur district, who labeled Govindan as the "Brutus of Taliparamba" and a "class traitor." In the past, Govindan defied the party’s decision to field P.K. Shyamala, wife of CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan, from Taliparamba and was subsequently expelled.

He later contested the 2026 Assembly polls with the backing of the United Democratic Front and secured a win from Taliparamba.