Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 8 (NationPress) As the Assembly elections draw near in Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who has historically maintained a cautious and often confrontational stance towards the media, seems to be adjusting his approach to public communication. After nearly ten years of limited interactions and stringent control over media access, the Chief Minister has started to engage with the press more regularly, indicating a clear change in his strategy as the political climate intensifies.

Upon taking office in 2016, one of Vijayan's initial actions was to eliminate the traditional Wednesday cabinet press briefing, a long-standing practice facilitating regular interaction between the government and the media.

He also moved away from the informal Keralite tradition of Chief Ministers providing quick comments or 'roadside bytes' to journalists. Instead, CM Vijayan adopted a more stringent communication style, opting to speak strictly on his own terms and often through meticulously crafted statements.

This tactic led to extended periods where the Chief Minister refrained from addressing the media, resulting in criticisms from journalists and political adversaries who accused him of compromising transparency and democratic responsibility.

This recent pivot occurs against the backdrop of the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front’s disappointing showing in December's local body elections, seen as an early warning ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls anticipated in April–May.

On Thursday, CM Vijayan conducted a press conference discussing international matters, such as the United States' actions against Venezuela, an unexpected choice of topic, but one that highlighted his newfound readiness to engage with the media.

He also emphasized the Kerala government's commitment to state public sector undertakings, contrasting it with the negative attitudes seen in other states and at the national level.

During Thursday's media session, he addressed multiple issues, including the Justice JB Koshy Commission, which examined the educational and social challenges confronting Christian minorities in the state.

Additionally, he mentioned the upcoming protest scheduled for January 12 against the Centre's alleged financial indifference towards Kerala.

Another noteworthy change that has caught public attention is the shift in the Chief Minister's convoy. Until recently, his motorcade consisted of numerous pilot vehicles, escort cars, and even an ambulance, a security detail criticized for being excessive.

As the election period approaches, CM Vijayan is now observed traveling with a significantly reduced convoy of fewer than six vehicles.

These adjustments suggest a deliberate attempt by the Chief Minister to soften his public persona, reconnect with the populace via the media, and dispel notions of detachment, possibly recognizing that electoral politics necessitates not just governance but also visibility and dialogue.