Is Tamil Nadu CM Stalin a Sought-After Guest in Kerala?

Synopsis
Tamil Nadu's CM M.K. Stalin is making waves beyond his state, as Kerala's CPI extends an invitation for their centenary celebrations. Discover the political camaraderie and the dynamic relations between state leaders that highlight Stalin's growing influence in neighboring Kerala.
Key Takeaways
- M.K. Stalin is increasingly recognized in Kerala.
- Stalin and Vijayan have a longstanding, positive relationship.
- The CPI aims to bolster its presence by leveraging Stalin's popularity.
- CPI faces challenges from opposition parties in Kerala politics.
- Recent events underscore the significance of regional political alliances.
Chennai/Thiruvananthapuram, April 29 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin enjoys considerable popularity in the neighboring state of Kerala, where members of the ruling Left alliance are keen to have him attend their events.
On Tuesday, CPI's Kerala state Secretary Binoy Viswam, along with state Revenue Minister K.Rajan, who is the second-in-command in the Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet, visited Stalin personally to extend an invitation for the centenary celebrations of the CPI, scheduled to take place in Alappuzha from September 8 to 12.
The CPI stands as the second-largest entity within the Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front government.
Following their invitation to Stalin, the CPI leaders also met with his son and Deputy CM Udayanidhi Stalin.
Stalin and Vijayan maintain a strong rapport, frequently engaging with one another. The Tamil Nadu CM was an honored guest at the 24th CPI-M Party Congress, recently held in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
In a show of camaraderie, both Stalin and Vijayan shared a car ride to inaugurate the renovated memorial of the social reformer and Dravidian ideologue E.V. Ramaswamy Periyar near Kottayam, Kerala, last December.
Previously, Stalin was also present at the 23rd CPI-M Party Congress in Kannur, Vijayan's hometown, in 2022, where he received a warm welcome.
Given Stalin's participation in the CPI-M's recent congresses, the CPI is optimistic about securing his presence at their centenary celebrations in Alappuzha.
Despite facing criticism from both the Congress-led UDF and the BJP for their perceived subservience to Vijayan's leadership, the CPI in Kerala has remained relatively silent on various allegations against the Chief Minister since he assumed office in 2016.