Pinarayi brings disgruntled allies to heel on no action over ADGP’s RSS ties

Despite mounting pressure from his allies, and reportedly even from within his own party, CPI-M, over the cover provided to Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.R. Ajith Kumar, who is accused of several criminal activities besides having had a secret meeting with the LDF’s ideological adversary, the RSS, the Chief Minister seemed to be bringing the LDF allied parties to heel by not taking action against the accused ADGP.

Ajith Kumar, who has admitted to having met the RSS leaders, has accusations against him, including involvement in gold smuggling and a murder case, despite remaining in charge of Kerala’s law and order under the government's protection.

The CPI, a key ally within the LDF, which took a strong stand in the matter of the ADGP’s meeting with the RSS leaders—seeing it as a breach of trust—was found to have budged to the CM’s insistence that no action be taken against the ADGP for now during the LDF meeting.

The issue around the ADGP’s RSS ties was also a matter of concern for the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), which raised the issue during the meeting, but Pinarayi Vijayan addressed the matter, stating that the RSS ties would also be part of the investigation against the ADGP along with the other charges, remaining resolute against taking any immediate disciplinary action.

This decision has left several LDF leaders, including those from the CPI, discontented. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam, who had previously voiced his party’s opposition, has found himself sidelined.

The CM’s firm position on retaining the officer has raised doubts about the unity within the alliance, with CPI leaders reportedly feeling the issue has been downplayed. Some members of the LDF have expressed concerns that this decision might erode the coalition’s credibility, particularly when facing the ideological threat posed by the RSS in Kerala.

Despite these objections, top sources suggest that Viswam had been warned prior to the LDF meeting that the Chief Minister would not change his stance on the matter. CPM state secretary M.V. Govindan reinforced this message. It appears that internal opposition to Kumar’s retention has been quelled, with minor rebellions within the coalition being swiftly neutralised.

A key concern for the CPI and other allies is the perception that the Left government is softening its stance towards the RSS. The CPI in particular sees Kumar’s continued presence in his position as politically improper, especially given the officer’s ties to an organisation widely considered an adversary of the Left. This discomfort has intensified due to rising support for the BJP in Kerala, with the party’s vote share increasing from 13% to 19% in recent elections.

However, the LDF convenor downplayed these concerns during a press briefing, emphasising that Kumar’s meeting with RSS leaders was not inherently problematic. He indicated that the ongoing investigation would address any issues, although critics argue that a police officer admitting to such meetings while in a senior law enforcement role raises serious ethical questions.

The Chief Minister’s handling of this situation is reminiscent of an earlier episode involving senior CPM leader E.P. Jayarajan, who was removed from his post as LDF convenor following his controversial meeting with BJP leader Prakash Javadekar. Although the CPM had downplayed Jayarajan’s removal as unrelated to the meeting, party insiders believe it was a key factor.