Taliparamba MLA T.K. Govindan stays silent on Vijayan's barb, hints at later response
T.K. Govindan, expelled CPI(M) leader and Taliparamba MLA, has refused to comment on Pinarayi Vijayan's criticism, with a response expected after a Monday meeting.
Taliparamba MLA T.K. Govindan has declined to respond to the sharp criticism levelled against him by Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan at a public meeting in Mayyil, Kannur, on August 30.
According to his office staff, Mr. Govindan does not wish to comment on the remarks at present. However, they indicated that he is likely to address the issue after Mr. Vijayan's scheduled public meeting in Taliparamba on Monday evening.
At the Mayyil event, Mr. Vijayan urged party cadre to acknowledge their mistakes and work towards unity. He specifically referenced LDF supporters who voted for Mr. Govindan, calling the MLA an "opportunist" and stating that his victory should not be seen as permanent. The former Chief Minister also accepted the party's defeat in Taliparamba while stressing the need for a united front.
K.K. Ragesh, CPI(M) Kannur district secretary, also criticised Mr. Govindan at the same meeting, labelling him the "Brutus of Taliparamba" and a "class traitor".
Mr. Govindan, a former district secretariat member, had rebelled against the party's decision to field P.K. Shyamala, wife of State secretary M.V. Govindan, from Taliparamba. He was subsequently expelled and later won the 2026 Assembly seat with United Democratic Front support.