Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Low Turnout Shadows CPI(M) Rally Defending Vijayan Family
The CPI (M) held a meeting in Kozhikode to support Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter, Veena Vijayan.
The meeting was connected to an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate.
Veena has been questioned twice in the case.
Fewer people attended than expected, and many chairs were empty.
Party organisers said Onam celebrations may have kept people away.
Others believe the low turnout could show that some party supporters are frustrated.
Earlier, party activists had protested an Enforcement Directorate raid linked to Veena and some were jailed.
The meeting has therefore become a sign of the political difficulties facing the CPI (M) and Pinarayi Vijayan.
A CPI (M) meeting in Kozhikode supporting Pinarayi Vijayan and Veena Vijayan had many empty chairs.
The rally was held amid the Enforcement Directorate’s investigation into the CMRL-Exalogic case.
Organisers attributed the low attendance partly to the timing of Onam festivities.
Veena Vijayan has been questioned twice by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the case.
The muted response has raised questions about the CPI (M)’s grassroots support and ability to mobilise behind Vijayan’s family.
- Who
- The CPI (M), Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena Vijayan, and the Enforcement Directorate.
- What
- A poorly attended CPI (M) meeting sought to defend Vijayan and his daughter amid the CMRL-Exalogic investigation.
- When
- Late Sunday; the article does not specify the date.
- Where
- Kozhikode, Kerala.
- Why
- The party organised the meeting to explain its position and mobilise support amid the Enforcement Directorate’s investigation and questioning of Veena Vijayan.
Party and Supporters’ Explanation
Political Interpretation
Reason for the low turnout
Party and Supporters’ Explanation
Organisers said the meeting’s timing during Onam festivities contributed to the poor attendance.
Political Interpretation
The empty chairs may indicate weaker grassroots support or frustration over the continuing controversy involving Vijayan’s family.
Meaning of the muted response
Party and Supporters’ Explanation
The meeting was part of the party’s effort to project unity and mobilise cadres in support of Vijayan and Veena Vijayan.
Political Interpretation
The subdued mobilisation contrasts with the traditionally strong support shown for senior CPI (M) leaders facing investigations and may reflect difficulties for the party leadership.
- Meeting location
- Kozhikode, a traditional CPI (M) stronghold in Kerala
- Meeting purpose
- To explain and defend the party’s position regarding the controversy surrounding Veena Vijayan
- Investigation
- The Enforcement Directorate is investigating the CMRL-Exalogic case
- Questioning
- Veena Vijayan has been questioned by the Enforcement Directorate twice
- Attendance explanation
- Organisers partly attributed the low turnout to Onam festivities
- Earlier protests
- Around two dozen CPI (M) activists were arrested after protests linked to an Enforcement Directorate raid in Thiruvananthapuram
- Political context
- The CPI (M) is facing questions over electoral setbacks and a perceived disconnect with parts of the electorate