Pinarayi Vijayan was born on born May 24, 1945, in Kerala’s Kannur region. He is the youngest son of his Koran and Kalyani. He had 14 siblings of whom only three survived. He is married to Kamala Vijayan and has two children, a son, Vivek Kiran Vijayan and a daughter, Veena Vijayan. His wife is a retired teacher.
Pinarayi Vijayan joined the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in 1964. He was the Kannur district secretary of the Kerala Students Federation (KSF), which later became the Students Federation of India (SFI). Then he joined the Kerala State Youth Federation (KSYF), which later became the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI).
Pinarayi Vijayan became the president of the state committee and was later elected as the president of the Kerala state cooperative bank.
He became the Kannur district secretary of the CPI(M) after MV Raghavan left the party. He was elected to the Kerala assembly in 1970, 1977 and 1991 from Kuthuparamba.
Pinarayi Vijayan became the minister for electric power and co-operatives in EK Nayanar’s ministry from 1996 to 1998. Following this, he became the state secretary of the CPI(M) in 1998 following the death of the incumbent Chadayan Govindan. He was elected to the party’s Politburo in 2002.
He led the party to a landslide victory in the 2006 Kerala assembly elections and the 2014 parliament elections. Pinarayi Vijayan was elected as the 12th chief minister of Kerala in 2016 and was sworn in for the second consecutive time on May 20, 2021.
The yearly “Progress Report” to mark the accountability and transparency of the ruling party was introduced by the Pinarayi Vijayan ministry.
This news report examines the political controversy surrounding the announcement of the Padma Awards 2026. The Unidentified speaker notes that of the 131 awardees, 38 hail from states scheduled for Assembly elections later this year, leading the Congress to accuse the Centre of 'electionising the Padma Awards' and turning national honours into political weapons. Tamil Nadu recorded 13 awardees, the highest among poll-bound states, followed by West Bengal and Kerala. The bulletin also highlights a sharp counter from Padma Shri awardee and former MHA Under-Secretary R.V.S. Mani, who criticised the Congress's narrative. Additionally, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan questioned the timing of the Padma Bhushan for superstar Mammootty, suggesting the Modi government delayed an honour the Left had demanded for years. The programme details the breakdown of awardees across poll-bound regions including Assam and Puducherry, reflecting the intensifying political sparring over the prestigious civilian recognitions.
On this report, India Today’s Shibi Mole KG discusses the controversy surrounding the Padma Bhushan conferred upon Malayalam superstar Mammootty in 2026. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed that while the state rejoices in the honour, 'there has been a delay as far as giving a Padma award to Mammootty is concerned.' The Chief Minister highlighted that the state cabinet had repeatedly recommended the actor's name over the years. The discussion points out that Mammootty received his Padma Shri in the late 1990s and waited over 20 years for the Padma Bhushan, unlike fellow superstar Mohanlal. Shibi Mole KG notes that critics have often suggested Mammootty’s political leanings as a Left supporter and his role as chairman of a CPI(M)-backed channel may have influenced the delay at the national level. The report underscores the cultural significance of the actor in Kerala and the perceived political friction between the state and the Centre regarding national recognitions.
On this India Today report, Shibli Malki discusses the escalating political war over the Sabarimala gold loot case in Kerala. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made a sensational charge, alleging a link between the accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, and senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. Shibli Malki notes that 'the BJP and the CPM have multiple times in the last few months have raised this allegation regarding, I questioned the Congress regarding pictures with Sonia Gandhi'. The report highlights that the Kerala BJP chief released images of the accused with Gandhi, allegedly facilitated by two Congress MPs. Furthermore, allegations have been leveled against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for purported links to the same individual. While the Congress dismisses these claims as routine interactions related to temple activities, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues to expand its probe. The controversy gains momentum as elections approach, with political parties trading serious allegations over the corruption scandal.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the intensifying friction between veteran Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and the party leadership ahead of the elections. Speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode, Tharoor struck a defiant note regarding his past disagreement with the party's stance on 'Operation Sindoor' following the Pahalgam incident. He stated, 'I will not apologize on operations in those stand,' emphasizing that when India's security is at stake, national interest must come first. The programme explores Tharoor's history of defying party lines, including his occasional praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's industrial initiatives. Despite skipping a crucial strategy meeting in Delhi due to perceived slights at a recent Kochi event, Tharoor maintains he remains a committed Congressman who simply refuses to be a 'regular politician' who criticizes for the sake of opposition.
This episode of Newstrack focusses on the deepening internal friction within the Congress party in Kerala ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
On this Special Report, Maria Shakeel examines the deepening internal friction within the Congress party in Kerala ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The focus is on Thiruvananthapuram MP Dr. Shashi Tharoor, who reportedly skipped a crucial strategy meeting attended by Rahul Gandhi. Maria Shakeel notes, 'Tharoor skipped the Congress High Command's Kerala strategy meet altogether, reportedly upset with both the party leadership over what is seen as lack of due respect by Rahul Gandhi.' The programme features veteran Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who downplays the rift, claiming Tharoor had prior commitments at a literary forum. However, the report highlights past instances where Tharoor’s praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and LK Advani caused friction with the party brass. The discussion, featuring Shehzad Poonawalla and Sanjay Jha, explores whether the Congress can afford to alienate a prominent face like Tharoor as the BJP gains ground in urban Kerala, particularly following their performance in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation elections.
In this intense debate, BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla and Political Analyst Sanjay Jha discuss the reported rift between Shashi Tharoor and the Congress leadership. Poonawalla claims, 'Congress, and particularly Rahul Gandhi, can't stand anybody who puts nation first,' citing Tharoor's praise for LK Advani and India's foreign policy as reasons for his alleged sidelining. He further suggests a 'board of peace' be formed to manage internal Congress factions. Sanjay Jha defends Tharoor as an 'intellectual heavyweight' and 'outstanding speaker,' though he admits Tharoor is a 'distinctive outlier' who might be a misfit in any political party. The discussion also touches upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi's gesture of welcoming Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, which Poonawalla frames as a tradition of cooperative federalism. Jha acknowledges the Congress faces challenges and must avoid complacency in Kerala despite Tharoor's electoral strength.
The big focus of this episode of Super 6 is on two poll-bound states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where Prime Minister Modi on Friday sounded NDA's poll bugle for the upcoming assembly elections.
This Special Report examines Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intensive campaign tour across Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where he characterized the DMK administration as a 'corruption, mafia, and crime' government. The program features a high-stakes debate between political spokespersons and analysts regarding the National Democratic Alliance's electoral strategy and the rare joint appearance of EPS and TTV Dhinakaran. BJP spokesperson Tuhin Sinha alleges the DMK has stalled critical development projects, while DMK spokesperson Dharanidharan defends the state's 11.2 percent growth rate. Key discussion points include the 'double engine government' narrative, fiscal discrepancies in central funding, and the controversial delimitation process affecting South India's parliamentary representation. The report covers the Prime Minister's inauguration of infrastructure projects in Thiruvananthapuram and the Congress party's response to the BJP's southern outreach. Panelists evaluate whether the BJP can challenge the established Dravidian model in Tamil Nadu or the political duopoly in Kerala ahead of the upcoming elections.
On this Special Report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a development programme in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, highlighting the central government's efforts to boost the state's infrastructure and welfare. The Prime Minister officially launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card scheme, stating, 'Today, the PM SVANidhi Credit Card has been launched. This will benefit those working on carts and footpaths across the country.' He emphasized that over the last 11 years, the Centre has significantly invested in urban infrastructure and poor-centric schemes, including the PM Housing Scheme and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Modi also flagged off new Amrit Bharat Express trains, noting that enhanced rail connectivity will bolster Kerala's tourism and startup ecosystem. The address underscores the government's commitment to 'Viksit Bharat' by empowering the middle class and marginalized sections through banking integration and tax reliefs.
On this Special Report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a gathering in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, marking a significant push for urban development and social welfare. The Prime Minister launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, stating, 'This will benefit those working on carts, stalls, and pavements across the country.' He highlighted the central government's commitment to transforming Thiruvananthapuram into a major startup hub and strengthening rail connectivity in the state. Modi detailed various central schemes, including PM Awas Yojana, which has provided over 4 crore houses to the poor, and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for free electricity. He also noted that the government has made income up to ₹12 lakh tax-free, significantly benefiting the middle class and salaried individuals in Kerala. The address underscores the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' through urban infrastructure investment and empowerment of the poor and middle class.
On this India Today special report, correspondent Shibi Mole provides live updates from Thiruvananthapuram as Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches a series of significant development projects in Kerala. The Prime Minister flagged off four new trains, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting Kerala to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Shibi Mole noted that 'these Amrit Bharat Express trains will be running from Nagercoil to Bangalore, then Thiruvananthapuram to Tambaram and Thiruvananthapuram to Chennappalli,' marking a major boost for regional connectivity. The report highlights the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Governor Rajendra Arlekar, underscoring the state's demands for increased rail allocation. The broadcast further explores the political implications of these projects under the 'Vikasitha Keralam' initiative, as the BJP focuses on development, employment, and reversing youth migration in the poll-bound state. The Prime Minister's visit is seen as a strategic move to address social indicators and infrastructure needs in Kerala.
This report examines the widening rift within the Kerala unit of the Congress party as Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor decided to skip a crucial high command meeting. Tharoor reportedly felt 'insulted' during a recent Mahapanchayat event in Kochi, where he was allegedly ignored by Rahul Gandhi and faced protocol issues regarding seating and speaking orders. Despite previously stating, 'I am always a Congress party worker, and I will continue to work with the party for the Assembly elections,' Tharoor’s decision to attend the Kerala Literature Festival instead of the strategy session signals renewed friction. The transcript highlights that while the party recently sought unity during a camp in Wayanad, tensions between Tharoor and the state leadership have resurfaced. This development comes at a critical time as the party prepares for upcoming Assembly elections, following successes in local body polls. The report suggests that Tharoor's history of praising the LDF government's 'ease of doing business' continues to be a point of contention with the state leadership.
Anchor Nagarjun Dwarakanath reports on the Karnataka Assembly session where Governor Thavarachand Gehlot faced heckling from Congress legislators. The Governor reportedly substituted the state cabinet's prepared speech with his own remarks. Congress members allege the Governor violated constitutional provisions and exited before the National Anthem concluded. The BJP claims the Governor was targeted due to his Dalit background. In Tamil Nadu, Union Minister Piyush Goyal demanded the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin following court observations regarding hate speech. The AIADMK staged a walkout from the Tamil Nadu Assembly, citing rising chicken prices and the suppression of opposition voices. The report details the expansion of the NDA alliance in Tamil Nadu to include the PMK and AMMK under Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Additionally, the bulletin covers the environmental crisis in Tirupur caused by illegal waste dumping in quarries and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale’s invitation to the CPM in Kerala to join the NDA for state funding.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the political face-off in Kerala following Union Minister Ramdas Athawale's invitation to the Left parties to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Athawale stated, 'Join the NDA and get more funds,' suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would announce a significant financial package for the state if the CPM aligned with the centre. He further proposed that Pinarayi Vijayan could continue as the Chief Minister under this arrangement. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly rejected the overture, with State Secretary M.V. Govindan mocking the Union Minister's lack of understanding regarding Kerala's political history. The CPM emphasized its long-standing ideological battle against the RSS and BJP, asserting that the offer justifies their claims of being 'financially squeezed' by the central government. The report explores the unprecedented nature of an NDA minister inviting communist parties into their fold despite deep-seated ideological differences.
On this Special Report, the focus is on a significant political development in Kerala where Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, has extended an invitation to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Left parties to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). During his visit to Kannur, Athawale stated, 'Honorable Vijayanji, I respect him because he's from the communist party, he's a leftist, I was also leftist but I joined NDA and the leadership of Narendra Modi.' He suggested that if the Left joins the NDA, Kerala would receive more development funds and a 'big package' from the Centre. Athawale further proposed that such a move would allow Pinarayi Vijayan to continue as the Chief Minister. The Left has responded by dismissing the offer, citing their historical ideological battle against the RSS and BJP in the state. The programme examines the implications of this unusual political overture ahead of the upcoming assembly polls.
On this Special Report of NewsTrack, host Maria Shakeel examines the escalating friction between state governors and elected governments in opposition-ruled states. The programme highlights the recent walkout by Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi from the state assembly without delivering the customary address, an act CM Stalin accused of 'undermining the dignity of the assembly.' Maria Shakeel notes that a similar face-off has erupted in Kerala, where CM Pinarayi Vijayan accused Governor Rajendra Arlekar of unilaterally altering the cabinet-approved policy address. The report explores whether Raj Bhavans are becoming political battlegrounds as elections approach. Panellists, including political analyst Suman C. Raman and representatives from the DMK, BJP, and Congress, debate the constitutional role of the governor versus the mandate of elected governments. The discussion also references the Supreme Court's 'Lakshman Rekha' regarding the timely assent of bills, questioning if these confrontations are a constitutional crisis or a manufactured political strategy in poll-bound states.
In this episode of Newstrack, the focus is on the escalating friction between state Governors and governments in opposition-ruled states.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating friction between Governors and elected governments in opposition-ruled states. The programme highlights a stormy session in the Tamil Nadu Assembly where Governor R.N. Ravi walked out without delivering the customary address, alleging the speech was 'filled with inaccuracies and unsubstantiated claims'. Simultaneously, in Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has accused the Governor of unilaterally altering the cabinet-approved policy address by omitting references critical of the Centre. The report notes that this pattern of confrontation extends to West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir, where constitutional offices have become central to political storms. The Unidentified speaker notes that 'constitutional offices are once again at the center of political storms' as elections approach. The programme further examines the Supreme Court's intervention, which established a 'Lakshman Rekha' regarding the assent to bills, emphasizing that appointed authorities cannot indefinitely frustrate the legislative process of elected governments.
Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi walked out of the Assembly on Tuesday for the third consecutive year, citing a muted microphone and alleged insults to the national anthem.
