Key facts
- Pinarayi Vijayan stated Rahul Gandhi's political approach does not strengthen the INDIA alliance.
Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stating his political approach does not strengthen the INDIA alliance and often benefits the BJP. Vijayan noted that other non-Congress parties also raised objections to the Congress's stance.
The comments highlight internal tensions within the INDIA alliance, a coalition of opposition parties aiming to challenge the ruling BJP in upcoming elections. Disagreements over strategy and leadership could weaken the coalition's effectiveness.
Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, has criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, asserting that Gandhi's political approach is detrimental to the INDIA alliance and often serves the interests of the BJP. Vijayan's remarks came in response to a question about Gandhi's reported comments at an INDIA alliance meeting regarding their political rivalry in Kerala.
Vijayan stated that he was not concerned with the act of hugging itself but rather with the political message it conveyed. He specifically referenced a photograph of Gandhi hugging Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting it reflected Gandhi's particular political viewpoint and his perception of the INDIA alliance. Vijayan indicated that this issue warranted further discussion.
The senior CPI(M) leader also mentioned that other prominent non-Congress parties, including those led by Akhilesh Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, had raised objections to the Congress's position during the meeting. He pointed to the current situation within the alliance as a consequence of the Congress's approach, particularly Gandhi's, and suggested that such actions effectively facilitate the BJP's agenda. Vijayan recalled that he and Gandhi had previously targeted each other during election campaigns.