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At 80, CM Pinarayi Vijayan's Discipline Rules His Plate and Governance

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's personal discipline, from his methodical eating habits to his preference for local cuisine, mirrors his exacting standards in governance. His sharp memory keeps bureaucrats on edge, as he can recall statements made years earlier. These consistent traits define his public and private persona as he campaigns for a historic third term. The recent "seer fish controversy" has brought renewed attention to his personal routines.

Key Points: CM Pinarayi Vijayan's Personal Discipline and Governance Style

  • Methodical and unhurried eater
  • Prefers local cuisine while traveling
  • Insists on cleanliness and hot water
  • Razor-sharp memory in meetings
  • Consistency as a political hallmark
2 min read

At 80, CM Vijayan's discipline extends from dining table to officialdom

Insights into Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's methodical personal habits and exacting administrative standards as he eyes a historic third term.

"That is not what you said before, he is known to point out. - Officials on CM Vijayan's sharp memory"

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 11

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's public persona has long been defined by ideological rigidity and administrative control. But those close to the 80-year-old leader say that the same precision and discipline visible in governance are equally evident in his personal habits.

His habits are now being discussed more after a seer fish controversy broke out, which was put on the table by veteran CPI leader and former State Minister C. Divakaran and is now a raging hit on social media.

At the dining table, CM Vijayan is described as an unhurried and methodical eater. He relishes his food slowly, preferring to serve himself rather than being assisted, even when multiple dishes are laid out before him.

Those familiar with his routine say he dislikes being rushed and can grow visibly irritated if someone seated across from him eats too quickly.

Meals, for him, are neither ceremonial nor social performances; they are deliberate, orderly affairs.

He is particular about accompaniments as well.

Cold water is firmly off the table as he prefers hot or warm water alongside his meals.

When travelling across the state, he is said to favour local cuisine and makes it known that he would rather sample regional dishes than opt for generic fare.

The choice reflects both personal taste and a political instinct to align with local identity.

Cleanliness is another non-negotiable.

A spotless wash basin and a separate towel for wiping hands before and after food are small but essential details in his daily routine.

If these habits suggest fastidiousness, officials say the same exacting standards apply in meetings.

Despite a decade at the helm, CM Vijayan's memory remains razor sharp. Bureaucrats attending meetings chaired by him are often on edge, aware that he can recall what they said years earlier.

Any shift in position is quickly flagged. "That is not what you said before," he is known to point out.

And at meetings or elsewhere, his face clearly reflects whether he is happy or otherwise.

In private space and public office alike, Vijayan's consistency appears to be both his hallmark and his message. With the upcoming Assembly polls round the corner, all these habits will be in focus as he is the star campaigner for the Left, aiming for a third successive term.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
All this talk about discipline is fine, but what about the state's development? Kerala has its strengths, but also big challenges like youth unemployment. I wish the article focused more on governance outcomes than dining habits. A clean towel doesn't create jobs.
A
Arjun K
The part about preferring local cuisine while traveling is a good political move. It shows respect for the people and culture of different regions. More leaders should do this instead of sticking to five-star hotel food. His sharp memory keeping bureaucrats on their toes is what we need everywhere!
P
Priya S
At 80, such clarity and routine is inspiring. My grandfather is the same about hot water with meals and eating slowly. Says it's better for digestion. Maybe there's a lesson here for all of us in this fast-food, fast-life generation. Wishing him good health.
D
David E
Fascinating insight into a leader from a different political landscape. The description of his meeting style—holding people accountable to their past statements—is a universal principle of good leadership. Transparency and consistency are key, whether in Kerala or elsewhere.
M
Meera T
While the discipline is commendable, the article hints at a lack of flexibility. A good leader also needs to adapt and listen. Being irritated by someone eating too fast? That seems a bit too rigid. Governance requires collaboration, not just control.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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