Aiyar stirs politics again with Kerala remark, Congress ducks
Aiyar stirs politics again with Kerala remark, Congress ducks
Mani Shankar Aiyar praises Kerala CM Vijayan and slams Congress leadership, triggering a fresh controversy as the party distances itself.
Mani Shankar Aiyar sparked a fresh controversy after praising Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, declaring at a public event in Thiruvananthapuram that Vijayan will be Kerala’s CM again. The remarks drew attention just as Kerala heads toward Assembly elections and national observers watch the evolving political map.
Inside the same remarks, Aiyar also took aim at Congress leadership, reportedly dismissing spokesperson Pawan Khera and criticizing Rahul Gandhi. He allegedly described Khera as a 'puppet' and 'parrot,' underscoring a longstanding rift within the party that has at times helped the BJP in its messaging.
The Congress responded quickly, distancing itself from Aiyar's comments and stating he has no formal connection with the party. Party insiders noted a pattern in Aiyar's statements, which have complicated party messaging and raised questions about how the party controls or channels the voices of senior members.
Analysts say the row comes as the party tries to project unity ahead of elections in Kerala and across the country, where Vijayan’s governance is popular in his state but the national leadership faces pressure from critics inside and outside the party. Observers note that Aiyar’s latest outburst highlights ongoing leadership dynamics within the Congress and how dissent is managed in the public eye as electoral tests approach.
Ultimately, the episode may intensify speculation about the party’s internal balance between honoring senior voices and presenting a cohesive, disciplined message to voters.
