{"data":{"prismicArticle":{"uid":"pinarayi-vijayan-hero-or-villain","tags":["politics"],"first_publication_date":"2026-04-11T10:54:16+0000","last_publication_date":"2026-04-11T15:50:47+0000","data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Pinarayi Vijayan, hero or villain?"},"rating":null,"datetime":"2026-04-11T10:50:00+0000","img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/88730e3e-b4eb-4385-adfc-e718234ed0f7_vijayan.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"embed":{"embed_url":null,"thumbnail_url":null,"author_url":null,"title":null},"content":{"raw":[{"text":"As Kerala awaits election results, one figure looms larger than any other in the state’s political landscape, Pinarayi Vijayan. Now 80, the veteran CPI(M) leader is seeking a historic third-consecutive term as Chief Minister, a feat no leader in Kerala’s political history has achieved. "},{"text":"Vijayan’s political style has always been defined by a tough, no-nonsense demeanor, markedly different from his Congress counterparts."},{"text":"Leaders like K. Karunakaran, A.K. Antony and Oommen Chandy, who each served multiple terms as Chief Minister, were widely known for their affable public presence and easy accessibility."},{"text":"Within the CPI(M), only E.K. Nayanar, remembered for his humour and mass appeal, broke the mould of the typically-stern Left leader."},{"text":"Even V.S. Achuthanandan, though often seen as serious and uncompromising, enjoyed a strong emotional connect with ordinary people."},{"text":"Vijayan, however, has cultivated an image of authority that often bordered on intimidation."},{"text":"His sharp responses to the media, firm handling of party colleagues, officials, and even ordinary workers have reinforced his image as a strong, sometimes unyielding leader."},{"text":"Following the setback the Left suffered in the local body elections held in December, the CPI(M) recalibrated its approach."},{"text":"From the start of the year, the government launched an extensive and high-decibel public outreach and advertising campaign, prominently featuring Vijayan."},{"text":"The effort was aimed at projecting stability, governance achievements, and continuity."},{"text":"With a record voter turnout, including 81 per cent participation among women, the Congress-led UDF is projecting confidence, claiming it could cross the 100 seat mark in the 140 member Assembly."},{"text":"In contrast, Vijayan and the Left leadership insist there is quiet support for the government’s decade long performance and maintain that a return to power remains within reach."},{"text":"Some Left legislators, however, now acknowledge the contest is tighter than expected, though they remain hopeful of securing around 80 seats."},{"text":"Political observers also point to a strategic debate within the Left, whether the campaign’s heavy emphasis on Vijayan helped or hurt the party."},{"text":"Some argue that stepping aside in favour of a widely popular leader like K.K. Shailaja might have made a third term smoother for the Left."},{"text":"As the results approach, one reality is clear, victory will cement Vijayan’s legacy as one of Kerala’s most dominant political figures."},{"text":"Defeat, however, will invite intense scrutiny of both strategy and leadership."},{"text":"In this election, Pinarayi Vijayan is not just the face of the campaign, he is the referendum."}]}}},"relatedArticles":{"edges":[{"node":{"uid":"ponnam-sets-condition-for-pawan","data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Ponnam Sets Condition for Pawan"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ah2PnQeQX7-eWfWv_ponnampk.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2026,999&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-27T13:00:00+0000"}}},{"node":{"uid":"telangana-cid-busts-illegal-betting-network","data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Telangana CID busts illegal betting 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