In a remarkable turn of political irony, former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will have to bow before G Sudhakaran, who has been appointed as the Pro Tem Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly. This is the same Sudhakaran whom Vijayan had publicly ridiculed as a “chett” (term of abuse) during the election campaign.

The election results delivered a series of devastating blows to Pinarayi Vijayan. Three rebels who left the CPM and contested with Congress support — TK Govindan, P Kunhikrishnan, and G Sudhakaran — won with massive majorities. Sudhakaran’s appointment as Pro Tem Speaker means Vijayan must bow before him and take the oath, marking one of the biggest poetic justices in Kerala politics.

The UDF government under Chief Minister VD Satheesan has moved swiftly on its promises. Within hours of taking office, the government increased ASHA workers’ salary by Rs 3,000 — a stark contrast to the previous government which had offered just Rs 1,000 after months of protest. The government also reopened the North Gate of the Secretariat, which Pinarayi had closed, and announced a review of media restrictions inside the Secretariat.

On the luxury front, while Pinarayi Vijayan used to travel with over 40 escort vehicles, Satheesan declared that just two escort vehicles are enough for him — further embarrassing the former CM.

Within the CPM, dissent is growing. Party workers at the grassroots level are openly demanding that Pinarayi take responsibility for the defeat and step aside as Opposition Leader. The government has also ordered a re-investigation into the Navakerala Sadas case, where Youth Congress workers were attacked.

The consecutive blows Pinarayi faces — from his own party and the new government — are seen as the people’s final verdict on his arrogant style of governance.