Pinarayi Vijayan

Pinarayi Vijayan is an Indian politician and a prominent leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), currently serving as the Chief Minister of Kerala. Born on May 24, 1945, in Pinarayi, Kerala, he has held the office since 2016 and is known for his focus on public welfare policies, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education, and disaster management.

Under Vijayan’s leadership, Kerala has implemented various progressive policies aimed at enhancing the standard of living for its citizens. He has also led the state’s response to numerous natural disasters, including floods and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have earned his administration both praise and scrutiny on the national stage.

In August 2018, BOOM fact-checked reports related to a proposed Rs 700-crore aid package from the UAE to Kerala in the aftermath of devastating floods. Some reports suggested that the Indian government’s rejection of the aid was due to an outdated policy.

BOOM clarified that the National Disaster Management Plan, cleared by the Modi government in 2015, indeed allows for voluntary aid from foreign governments, contradicting claims that such aid was categorically prohibited. This fact-check highlighted the nuances of disaster aid policies and the importance of accurate information on governmental regulations.