The Communist Party of India (CPI), a key partner in Kerala's ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), has publicly criticized Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's association with Hindu community leader Vellappally Natesan. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam stated that Natesan should not be seen as representing the LDF, suggesting his anti-minority remarks may have alienated Muslim voters in recent local elections. Viswam's comments follow Vijayan's earlier defense of giving Natesan a ride, despite Natesan facing criticism for his statements.