Kannur, 21 May (H.S.):
A photograph of former Kerala Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition-designate Pinarayi Vijayan sitting on an ordinary steel bench at Kannur railway station has gone viral on social media, triggering a wave of reactions, political commentary, and online trolling.
The image shows Vijayan seated on the platform bench while waiting for a train to Thiruvananthapuram after attending public events in Kannur. CPM Kannur district secretary K.K. Ragesh was seated beside him, while another passenger carrying a large bag was also seen on the same bench. A few police personnel were visible standing at a distance.
The photograph quickly attracted attention online, with many users drawing comparisons between the present scene and the arrangements that existed during Vijayan’s tenure as Chief Minister. Social media users pointed out that during his time in office, special seating arrangements were often made for him at railway stations, accompanied by extensive police deployment and tight security measures.
The contrast prompted a flood of reactions across various platforms. BJP spokesperson Reji Lucas described the image as reflecting “the poetic justice of time and the strength of democracy.” Several users circulated the photograph with captions such as “What a change,” “A setback for arrogance,” and “From a king to a comrade.”
Some social media users also compared the image with an earlier photograph of Vijayan sitting on a simple metallic chair during a visit to New York. Others highlighted the relaxed atmosphere in the latest image, with some pointing to a smiling person seen in the background and remarking that such casual moments around the former Chief Minister would once have been rare.
Vijayan had returned to Kannur after attending the swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Minister in Thiruvananthapuram and later participated in several events, including the book launch of senior CPM leader E.P. Jayarajan, before beginning his journey back to the state capital.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
