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The school authorities somehow came to know about this and headmaster Govindan master asked my mother to meet him. He told her to send me to school again. That’s how I enrolled in RC Amala Basic UP School in Pinarayi. The school had a friendly atmosphere. As I was a disciplined student, I was in the teachers’ good books. There was a Malayalam teacher who had good knowledge of astrology. Once he enquired about my background before asking my mother to meet him. He told my mother to let me pursue studies until I fail!

At that time, my family had a goat. I used to go to school after delivering the goat’s milk to a shop in a nearby town. Though I never had tea from that shop, I loved going there as it was an interesting place. One of my teachers was also a frequent visitor there.

Later, I joined the Peralasseri High School, now known as AKG Memorial Government Higher Secondary School. After the 10th class examination, I went to Bhadravati, where my uncle lived. But by the time I returned, the results were out and the last date for submitting application at colleges had passed. So, I lost a year. Subsequently, I started working at a handloom weaving unit near my house. I found it easy to learn and I worked there for 10 months. I used the money earned from there to take admission in a college next year.

I'm a self-made politician, didn’t get any post undeservedly: Pinarayi

Pinarayi became active in student union politics after joining Brennen College.

Can you share your experiences at Brennen College?

I became active in student union politics after joining Brennen College. I had figured out my political ideology much before, thanks to my elder brother Kumarettan. He was a victim of police brutalities in 1948. Stories from those turbulent times prompted me to take politics seriously. During that period, the Congress party had a 'baton army'. Once they barged into our house and took away some household items.

I used to walk at least 4-5 km daily to reach the college. Studies took a backseat after I started getting actively involved in student politics. However, the teachers did not discourage me. After completing Pre University Course (PUC), I joined the three-year BA Economics degree course at the same college. The KSF (Kerala Students Federation) had only a limited influence on campuses then. I had served as the organization’s district secretary before becoming its state president and secretary.

It was mandatory to be part of the National Service Scheme (NSS) then. I could not maintain adequate attendance as an NSS volunteer as I was busy with political works. Citing attendance shortage, my hall ticket was held back. I approached the High Court through M. M. Abdul Khader (who later became the advocate general of Kerala) and obtained a favorable verdict.

I appeared for exams after submitting that order to the principal. The college authorities had maintained that if a student had attendance shortage due to medical reasons, his/her results would not be withheld. However, the college did not accept my medical certificate, and my results were withheld. By the time I reached third year, I had become fully active in politics, with my field of action being extended to outside the college.

When I became an MLA for the first time, the then college principal C.C. David, who had by then become the director of collegiate education called me and asked: “Shall we try to publish that result?” But I replied in the negative, telling him I was least interested as it served no purpose. I had gone to the college for three years and completed the course. In the first year, we had a teacher called Prof. Gandhimathi. She would be happy if students mug up her notes and write it all down in exam papers. I was one of her favorite students. Later, when I became a student leader, she used to tell me: “You were a bright student, you ruined it now.”

After the college life, I became more active in politics. I attended the KSF’s state convention held in Kozhikode and returned as its state president. At that time, I was mainly engaged in local politics.

Recently, you spoke about your experience of having walked amid knives drawn out by RSS activities. How did such a situation arise?

As I mentioned earlier, the KSF was a very weak organization then. KSU (Kerala Students Union) was the most prominent students’ outfit. We had to be equipped to face any challenge. Though I never faced any kind of physical attack, the situation was very turbulent. During a college union program, activists of the rival outfit unleashed a snake at the venue to create chaos. The incident was an indication of the reality of campus politics of our times. Despite all this, we went ahead with our organizational activities.

You agitated for travel concessions for students using boats to cross the Anjarakkandy river. When the boatman demanded 10 paise from students, you, along with some of your friends, got into the boat. As the boatman threatened to drown the boat, only you and your friend Purushothaman refused to leave. Later, local people intervened and the boatman allowed students to travel for free as before. Was that the first agitation of your political life?

Yes. We had to depend on ferry services at Andaloor Kadavu to travel across the Anjarakkandy river. After our protests, the government ordered against charging students.

10 paise was the smallest Indian coin in circulation then. Before that, it was one anna or ‘orana’. A. K. Antony rose to prominence with the famous ‘Orana Samaram’ for travel concessions for students in buses and boats owned by the state. There were striking similarities in those two protests…

Of course. But ours was more of a local issue. I took part in the agitation using my organizational influence.

Are you in touch with Purushothaman now?

He is not in our village now. I have no knowledge of his whereabouts.

Your wife is from Onchiyam. Can you share with us the story behind your marriage?

Didn’t get party secretary post undeservedly, says Pinarayi

Pinarayi and Kamala's wedding, held at the Town Hall in Thalassery, was attended by many party leaders, including E. K. Nayanar.

I got married after serving jail term during the Emergency. It was Balan master, a family friend, who brought the proposal. I went to Kamala’s house accompanied by a friend called K.E. Gangadharan. I liked her. There were no other pre-wedding rituals. The wedding ceremony, held at the Town Hall in Thalassery, was attended by many party leaders, including E. K. Nayanar. Kamala’s family was also against traditional ceremonies and rituals. As per customs, expectant mother should be taken back to her maternal home on a particular month of pregnancy. But in Kamala’s case, I took her to her house late in the evening after attending party programs. As her family had deeper understanding of such things, they had no issues with it.

The late RSP leader Baby John’s mother had given birth to 12 babies, but he was the only one who managed to survive childhood. Your story is also similar. You are the only surviving child of the 14 children of your mother Alakkattu Kalayani. Apart from the two brothers who survived until adolescence, do you have any memory of your sisters?

My mother used to tell me about a sister who died at the age of four. I don’t remember anything about the others.

Being the youngest child, did you get any special care from your mother?

My mother was my biggest weakness. She is the one who molded my character. Though we were never left to starve, the survival was real struggle for us. At that time, kanji (rice porridge) was the most preferred food item. But as I was not very fond of it, my mother would cook meals for me. Because of our poor financial condition, it was enough to upset our family budget. My mother, however, did not bother about it. My friends used to come to our home occasionally. As bakery items were not that popular then, my mother would prepare something and treat them well somehow.

Pinarayi was the 14th child of his mother, but only three survived. Manorama

Do you still have a dislike for kanji?

Not at all. That was some childhood obstinacy.

Your memories of your brothers…

Most of the time, I was away from home with party activities. When my father died, there was a situation of my mother being alone in the house. Nanuvettan, who had shifted to another place after his marriage, came back. Kumarettan, who was running a bakery in Karnataka, too returned home after father’s death.

Kumarettan was very supportive of my political endeavors. Once the principal wanted to meet my mother to complain about me. As she was unwell, it was Kumarettan who turned up. The principal told him that politics had got into my head. Kumarettan nonchalantly asked him whether there were any other problems and added that he had given me the permission to get involved in campus politics. The principal was speechless. Later, he told me that my brother was crazier than me!

Once, after the issue at the Kadavu, my brother was crossing the river in a country boat operated by one of his acquaintances. The boatmen spoke badly about me without knowing that he was my brother. When the fellow threatened to handle me physically if I refused to mend ways, Kumarettan lost his cool. “Let’s keep the kids away and sort it out ourselves,” he told the boatman.

One astrologer had reportedly told your mother that your jathakam (detailed horoscope) predicted Rajayoga. Do you have your detailed horoscope with you?

As I told earlier, one of my UP school teachers had good knowledge of astrology. He had prepared my jathakam and given it to my mother. But I’m not certain whether the ‘Rajayoga’ thing was mentioned in it.

Do your children have their detailed horoscope?

We live in an era of computer-generated horoscopes. But we did not use it even once.

How did you pay back to your brothers for their support?

My immediate elder brother closed down his bakery in Karnataka to return home after our father’s death. When I became an MLA, we set up a bakery for him. At that time, Rs 5,000 was enough to open a bakery.

It is heard that your mother used to make you read out Ramayana and Mahabharata while she was working in the kitchen. Was your mother a religious person?

During my upper primary school days, I used to read her Ramayana, Mahabharata and Krishna Gatha. I could not do it when I became busy in political life. She used to tell me: “You were a good boy, but you are spoiled now.” Nevertheless, it helped me to cultivate the habit of reading anything that came my way.

Have you ever read Ramayana or other religious texts thereafter? What are your favorite books?

I have never read Ramayana again. I used to read short novels, mostly detective novels, during my childhood. I don’t remember the names of the authors though.

When did you first read ‘Das Kapital’? Which book are you reading now?

I read Das Kapital after completing my college education. Nowadays, it is difficult to find time to read.

Is there any book that you have read putting aside all your busy schedules?

Yes, I had that habit, but I can’t recollect the names of those books. When I served as the party secretary and afterward, I used to read while traveling.

You are always sharp and striking in words. How did you possess that definiteness?

I don’t know. I never prepare before delivering speeches or talking to somebody. In fact, articulation is something that comes naturally, isn’t it?

According to your relatives, you follow a very strict regime, doing everything precisely and neatly. You would make sure that everything, including your sandals, are in just the right place. You would be quick to notice if a paper or book is misplaced in your room. In your travel bag, there are separate pockets for keeping creams, mobile charger and torch lighter, and you are very particular about the way they are arranged. How did you pick up such strict habits?

I think being a communist has helped me acquire such disciplines in life.

Despite being such an organized person, you were once stopped at the Chennai airport after security personnel spotted bullets in your laptop case. How did that happen?

I had clarified it before. The ammunition was unknowingly left in my bag after it was produced for verification for the renewal of my arms license. The one who returned the bullets wrapped in a cover and the one who kept it inside the bag forgot to tell me that.

Have you learned how to use a gun?

In fact, I got that gun under some strange circumstances. It was the then UDF government which insisted on according security to me on the basis of threat perception. Though I refused, they tried to impose the security cover forcefully. I was accompanied by a cordon of gun-wielding guards wherever I went. It was a real headache as this security cover had become a hot topic of discussion. During his visit to Kerala, CPM general secretary Harkishan Singh Surjeet advised me to apply for a gun license. The police were also happy when I received a revolver. It was true that my life was under threat then. But I did not face any serious issues.

There were several attempts on your life. When the Central government proposed security cover in light of 'grave threat' to your life, you declined it. Recently, you went to attend a meeting in Mangalore with a defiant attitude. Do you love the image of an aggressive and stubborn leader?

Never. I had declined the Z category security accorded to me. I would be surrounded by two security personnel armed with rifles round the clock. If we think about our safety all the time, we won’t have time to think about anything else. Also, there would be restrictions to go to certain places, which I cannot agree. That was why I could travel to Mangalore and all.

Have you learned any form of martial arts?

No. So far, I managed to survive only with the might of my tongue.

Nowadays, people get to know about the fitness regimen followed by political leaders through visual media. How do you stay fit? Do you follow a strict routine?

Daily exercise is necessary to maintain your health. But I always preferred to do it within the confines of four walls because I had lots of ‘friends’ outside! At present, I walk on my treadmill daily for about 30 minutes. I used to walk at a speed of 5.2 mph, but reduced it to 5.0 mph now. Though I’m no yoga expert, I do yoga as well for about 30 minutes every day. Cycling is also part of my fitness regimen. Let me reveal a secret; I read newspapers during the stationary bike workouts. If I’m busy, I would avoid treadmill and do only cycling.

Pinarayi follows a very strict regime, doing everything precisely and neatly.

You are one of the rare politicians who love the game of ball badminton…

It was our favorite childhood pastime. After watching local ball badminton tournaments, we started to play the game using a ball and bat made of stem of coconut leaves. I was a member of the college ball badminton team.

You wake up at 5 am without fail. What time do you hit the bed?

I go to sleep at 11 pm. Recently, I started the habit of taking a 20-minute nap right after lunch.

You used to apply oil to your hair, but now you only use hair creams. What is the reason?

I stopped applying oil to hair long ago. Many advised me against it after tiny bumps started appearing on my gumline. They disappeared after I switched to hair creams. I don’t apply any sort of oil on my body apart from those used in Ayurveda therapies.

It is heard that you are very much concerned about the health of people around you and you know some treatment methods in Ayurveda…

I don’t know much about Ayurveda treatment. I just share information gathered from others, like where a particular treatment is available etc. I never prescribe medicines or advice people to follow certain treatment methods.

Why did you stop drinking tea?

We used to get only poor quality tea powder then. Now, lots of branded products are available. People would serve tea when we visit their house, but they would feel bad if we refused to drink it. The tea would be terrible because of the low quality tea dust. If they knew we don’t drink tea, we would be spared. One day I made up my mind while taking bath and never broke it. This happened after I became an MLA.

You won admiration for the courageous stance taken during the communal riot in Thalassery. Though you were down with chickenpox, you entered riot-hit areas along with Patyam Rajan and T. C. Ummer, to pacify the situation. Tell us about those tensed days…

The riot broke out on the day I went outside for the first time after the chicken pox attack. I came to know about the incident while having tea from a local teashop. There was no way to reach Thalassery as all bus services were canceled. I was standing there pondering other options when Rajan and others arrived in a car from Koothuparamba. We rushed to Thalassery and when we reached there, the situation was terrible. We had decided to travel across the area requesting people to remain calm. Nobody had asked us to do so, it was our own decision. However, the scale of violence was huge and the situation was getting worse. Our driver was terrified seeing another car being torched by the rioters in front of us. But everybody acted bravely. Adding fuel to the fire, the RSS was spreading blatant lies such as a woman’s breast was chopped off by the rioters and they saw it rolling about on the ground.

It is heard that you were a faint-hearted kid. How did you overcome that?

Yes, I was very scared of evil spirits because most of the stories told by my mother were about ghosts and spirits. When my mother worked in our kitchen, I would study sitting on the doorstep under the light of a chimney lamp. I was such a courageous kid! When I reached high school, I took efforts to eradicate my fears. As an experiment, once I returned home alone around midnight after watching some program in a nearby area. There was a church on the way. According to local myth, that area was a hub of evil spirits. I walked holding my breath and suddenly a tree trembled violently. The sound terrified me, but I somehow managed to regain my presence of mind.

Later, I realized that it was the sound of some bird flying off the tree. During my high school days, I went to see the body of a neighbor who hanged himself. I could not sleep a wink that night.

Are you afraid of anything now?

I don’t think so. If we make sure we don’t do anything wrong, what is there to be afraid of?

What if your conscience tells you that you have wronged?

You should be watchful and diligent to avoid mistakes. I think these traits have always helped me protect myself.

The general notion is that you always keep a safe distance from people. Do you have any close friends, especially in the party?

Of course, I have a lot of friends. Close friends are those who will be ready to do anything for you. I don’t want to reveal all their names. I think my current position is not a barrier for maintaining such friendship.

Does anybody address you now by your first name other than your relatives?

There are many who call me Vijayan, though it depends on one’s age. I have noticed that many are reluctant to call me by my first name after I became the chief minister.

Who is your closest friend outside political circles?

Among the elderly, it is Rairu Nair, a native of Pinarayi. He is 96 and currently lives at Melur. He still calls me ‘Vijayettan’! He is very concerned about all the matters related to me. When I was young, his brother was working in Singapore. Once we went to his house as part of a fund-raising campaign. But he reacted very harshly. Later, we came to know that Rairu Ettan told him that the boys left without creating a scene not because they were afraid of him, but for Rairu.

Rairu Nair is one of the closest friends of Pinarayi outside the political circle.

I also maintain bonds with Gemini Sankarettan. I met him first when I was the party’s Thalassery assembly constituency secretary. The Gemini Circus Company was established by Sankarettan and one Kunjikkannan. They had helped us a lot for our party activities. I had good relations with Captain Krishnan Nair as well.

Whenever good ideas for better administration strike you, with whom do you share them first?

I share them with some of our top officials. It has always been that way.

People close to you say that you and party secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan share a brotherly bond…

Pinarayi shares a close bond with party secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan

We have served jail terms together. Before that also, we were very close. There are some others with whom I share a similar bond.

When V.S. Achuthanandan was the chief minister, the party kept a close watch on everything and interfered when required. But now, we don’t see such a mechanism for monitoring. Is it because of this relationship?

Party’s interference is based on discussions within the party. Discussions and evaluations are still there.

As they say, a smile is the best way to deal with difficult situations. But Pinarayi Vijayan, who was actively involved in the Manorama News Conclave on Happiness, is very stingy with his smiles. Why is it so?

I can’t tell that. We should smile only when we need to. Many used to tell this to me in the past. But there are people who say I’m smiling too much nowadays!

A strict administrator, Pinarayi believes one should smile only when needed.

Your wife Kamala has revealed that you are a fan of Tamil movies and Rajinikanth is your favorite actor. Don’t you have a favorite among Malayalam actors? What about Mammootty, Innocent and Mukesh?

I don’t get time to watch movies now. I used to watch a lot of films, especially those featuring great actors. Rajinikanth was my favorite actor when I started watching movies, mostly Tamil, on television. After becoming chief minister, I could watch only two or three films.

Is there anything that you regret doing as the party secretary or chief minister?

I don’t think so. There were many controversies. But I never rued my decisions.

Do you mean you have the tendency to act without forethought?

Not at all. I always take decisions by understanding the situation.

In the condolence message on M.N. Vijayan’s death, you described him as a distinguished college teacher only. Have you ever regretted it?

Never. There is no need to do a postmortem of that issue now.

You are very grateful to your mother for all the struggles she endured for her children. But a mother called Mahija was dragged on the street by your police…

There was a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation. In fact, the government took a strong stance on that issue. Unfortunately, that boy ended his life. The forceful removal of Mahija should have been avoided, but we can’t blame the police for it. There was a conspiracy to create such a scene.

People say that you carry yourself as a strict headmaster. If you did not join politics, would you have become a schoolteacher?

I can’t tell that. I entered politics when I was weighing career options. I never felt I made a wrong choice.

One criticism leveled against you is that you interfere in other ministers’ portfolios and take decisions…

It’s all a media creation. There is great unity among us. None of the ministers in this cabinet have raised any kind of complaints whatsoever.

What do you do to unwind after a busy day at work?

I don’t need anything of that sort. Because after dealing with an issue, I would no longer worry about it. That is a trait that seems to have developed since my childhood. Sometimes, I may talk harshly to you in a particular situation. I won’t take it forward or hold grudges against you afterwards.

How do you want Keralites to remember Pinarayi, the chief minister?

There are various obstacles hampering our state’s development. We are working towards achieving comprehensive development goals. We will ignore naysayers and go ahead with our plans.

The general public was thoroughly impressed with your observation that 'each file represents a life'. However, have you been able to make government servants put those words into practice? Recently, a farmer committed suicide after revenue officials refused to accept land tax from him…

That’s true. A change to the system doesn't happen overnight. But this government is striving to bring in a change.

It is said that M. V. Raghavan had played a key role in your political career. How was your relationship with him when he was in the party?

I don’t think there is any one person who have made an impact on my political life. Such assumptions are wrong. If you work hard and perform well, you will automatically get better positions in the party. I believe I was able to discharge the duties assigned to me without fail. I got higher positions of responsibility probably because of my performance. That’s all. I used to have good relations with M.V. Raghavan. But when he adopted a different stance, it reflected in our relationship as well.

How was your relationship with him after he severed ties with the CPM?

He also was very strict and uncompromising. I remember an incident that occurred before he decided to leave the party. We were in a discussion at the party office in Kannur when we were served tea. When I asked him to have it, his reply was: “What if you mixed poison in that tea?”

However, there were visible changes in his character with the passage of time. During the last stages of his life, we were very close.

Pinarayi became the party secretary when he was the power minister in the Nayanar ministry.

Though you managed to bring him back to the Left camp, he could not return to the CPM. Your efforts to bring back K.R. Gouriamma too yielded no result…

M.V. Raghavan could not return to the CPM fold because of health issues. He also wanted to rejoin the party. If his health condition was good, it would have happened. In Gouriamma’s case, she did not want to leave the party founded by her. Communist parties in Kerala are keen to take her back. But for her, the party founded by her is more important than anything else.

As per media reports, it was V.S. Achuthanandan who took the initiative to elevate you to the position of party secretary. But you turned against him after becoming the secretary…

I have spoken about it before. I became the party secretary when I was the power minister. Before the state conference, Harkishan Singh Surjeet had interacted with each and every leader in the state unit. He sought opinion regarding the next party secretary. Later, I learned that a majority had proposed my name. That’s how I got selected to that post. I didn’t get it undeservedly with the help of some individual.

Are you indebted to Achuthanandan in any other way?

He is a valiant fighter who made lots of sacrifices for the party. All communists are indebted to each other. That way I’m obliged to him as well.

The CPM’s inner politics was mired in the feuds between two factions for about a decade. How do you describe VS?

It is not a topic to be discussed now. So, I don’t have any answer.

Pinarayi described V.S. Achuthanandan as a valiant fighter who made lots of sacrifices for the party.

Pinarayi Vijayan is somebody who underwent the brutalities unleashed during the Emergency. Still, you were ready to join hands with K. Karunakaran. Why couldn’t you reach a compromise with Achuthanandan?

I don’t have an adamant stance on anything. All my efforts are directed at strengthening the party. The only thing I want to ensure is that the party should not suffer because of my actions. If I suffered personal losses in my efforts to build up the party organization, I’m ready to take it all in my stride.

There have been reports that you and Sitaram Yechury are at odds with each other. Is it true? Is VS a factor for the differences between you?

First of all, there are no issues between me and Yechury. Such reports are baseless.

A throwback picture: Pinarayi with Sitaram Yechury.

What is your idea of God?

God is in your heart. The important thing is being better human beings.

How supportive was your wife when your political life got embroiled in controversies?

The entire family, including my children, was very supportive. They have given me unwavering support when I went through some difficult times. As they knew the truth, they were able to take things lightly. Even when I was constantly haunted by political rivals, my family could watch it all without getting depressed.

Pinarayi says his entire family, including children, has been very supportive.

You were subjected to extreme torture at the Koothuparamba police station during the Emergency. Were there any other similar incidents in your life?

Once I was beaten up by the police in front of the Thalassery court during a students’ agitation. It was after I quit KSF and became active in local politics. But I was present at the venue. I tried to stop the police when they beat a physically-challenged boy. The baton they used to hit me broke into two pieces. Still I managed to take that kid away.

Did any of the police officers who either harassed you or gave orders to target you ever come to you for help? Have you ever met them after becoming a leader?

Though nobody came to me seeking help, I did meet some of them. Joseph Thomas, who later became the DGP, was one of them. While I was at the Kannur Central Jail, I used to wash my clothes after 10 am every day. As I was walking to the area where washed clothes are hanged, I saw him walking towards me. My leg was in plaster, but I was able to walk. As he came nearer, I yelled at him raising my fractured leg: “Mr. Thomas, see my legs are okay now. It is part and parcel of our life. We will be back soon.”

He tried to calm me down saying that he did not intend to hurt me. But I told him that I didn’t want to hear his explanation. The other inmates were concerned about me as they knew I would react. But they all were of the opinion that I did the right thing. I have never met Joseph Thomas again.

Pinarayi Vijayan is the face of the anti-RSS crusade in the country now. Do you take pride in that?

The stance against the RSS is the stance against communalism. We should recognize that communalism is a fatal social evil.

How do you compare the governance of former CPM chief ministers EMS, Nayanar and Achuthanandan?

EMS had the ability to do things with perfection. Nayanar was a good team leader. He protected his colleagues and pointed out their mistakes. The cabinet led by VS had very efficient people. That ministry too successfully went ahead with its plans.

Can you compare yourself with those three?

I have never tried to do that.

Is there a role model for you as far as governance is concerned?

No. I just want to do things properly. I never had the habit of looking at a role model and trying to imitate his style.

Sixty years have passed since the first Communist ministry came to power in Kerala. How different are the style of governance and the party’s interference in matters relating to the government?

The advent of the era of globalization has brought several socio-economic changes in our society. Education used to be a service, but now it is being considered an industry. The government has to frame policies according to the changing times. Its key responsibilities are enhancing the state’s revenues and making sure that the benefits of development reach each and every citizen.

What would be the political scenario in India after 25 years? What would be the CPM’s position in Indian politics?

It is true that the party is facing some issues in West Bengal. But I strongly believe that the prospects are bright for Left parties. Going by the current situation, the country is heading to a political turmoil. If that happens, the natural choice of people would be Left parties.

What will be the future of the BJP and the Congress?

The BJP does not even consider the Congress as a rival. If the latter does not make concrete efforts towards prospective changes within the party, it will be weakened further. The Congress’ approach has come as a huge disappointment for people who uphold secular values. Many of its leaders have crossed over to the BJP. Even if the BJP manages to become a mighty force, its agendas would endanger the secular fabric of the nation. Such an attitude will certainly backfire sooner than later, and as a result, a different situation will arise. It is important to evolve a clear-cut strategy, holding common man’s interests up, at that time.

But we have seen parties who are opportunistic in their approach. Take Nitish Kumar’s case. He was claiming to be this and that, but finally made such a shameful move. There are many political parties that play this game of opportunism. If we need to confront communalism, we should have a solid stance first. I’m sure, after every storm the sun will smile and the Left front will be a main force to reckon with.

Do you think that the last episode in (former Kerala police chief) Senkumar issue could have been avoided?

I don’t think so. When he obtained a favorable verdict from the SC, we were ready for his reappointment. We had extended every possible help to him. But the government had no role in the events that unfolded later. It is a legal issue. The government has got nothing to do with it.

TP Senkumar had waged a legal battle against the Pinarayi government

In the SNC-Lavalin issue, where did you wage the most intense battle, inside the party or outside?

All the fight was in the court, isn't it? Of course, there were people who were busy trying to figure out my future, expecting a court verdict against me.

(The interview is over, and the smile on his face is still intact.)

As we were about to take leave, a staff of the chief minster’s office arrived with a bundle of files that needed to be cleared on that day itself. It was certain that the chief minister who reminded government employees that ‘each file had a throbbing life behind it’ was prepared to forgo his sleep and work into late hours.