At Sanoo memorial, Pinarayi Vijayan counters critics of continuous LDF rule
Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan said on Sunday (August 2, 2026) that the late Professor M.K. Sanoo had never viewed continuous rule by a political front as dangerous. Speaking at a commemorative meeting marking the first death anniversary of the renowned Malayalam literary critic, orator and former MLA, Mr. Vijayan made an apparent reference to cultural figures who had cautioned against the Left Democratic Front (LDF) retaining power in the State.
“One may receive applause and greater public acceptance if one criticises the Left from within the fold. Sanoo Master was well aware of his position in people’s minds and knew that he did not have to resort to such fake methods to improve his public image. Those who lacked such self-awareness had to adopt other stances,” Mr. Vijayan said, without naming anyone.
The remarks were seen as a veiled criticism of former Kerala Sahitya Akademi president K. Satchidanandan, whose comments warning against a prolonged LDF rule had triggered a political controversy ahead of the Assembly elections. Mr. Vijayan recalled how gracefully Prof. Sanoo had served in the same position during an earlier LDF tenure, contrasting his conduct with that of others.
The meeting was organised by the Prof. M.K. Sanoo Master Samskarika Kendram. Earlier in the day, Mr. Vijayan presented the maiden ‘Sanoo Sammanam’ to Malayalam literary stalwart M. Leelavathy at her residence in Thrikkakara. The lifetime achievement award carries a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, a statuette and a certificate.
Receiving the honour, Ms. Leelavathy expressed mixed feelings. “I’m deeply pained to receive the award instituted in the name of a long-time colleague in his absence. At the same time, I’m glad to receive it as a blessing from him, considering the deep friendship we shared,” she said. She announced that she would donate the cash award to Kanivu Pain and Palliative Care.
The Sanoo Sammanam Yuvaprathibha Puraskaram was presented to historian Vinil Paul. Writer N.S. Madhavan chaired the meeting. CPI(M) leaders P. Rajeeve, C.N. Mohanan, S. Sharma, C.M. Dinesh Mani, S. Sathish and M. Anilkumar, writers Sunil P. Elayidom and Thanooja Bhattathiri, and journalist R. Rajagopal were among those who spoke.
