26 March,2026 01:51 PM IST | Kochi | mid-day online correspondent
Pinarayi Vijayan. File Pic
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he "does not learn from experience" and accusing the Congress of acting as a "B-team" of the Bharatiya Janata Party, reported news agency PTI.
The remarks came amid escalating political tensions between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala.
The Chief Minister's criticism follows Rahul Gandhi's recent allegation that central agencies had not acted on corruption cases against Vijayan, suggesting a "collusion" between the LDF and the BJP, reported PTI.
Addressing reporters at a press conference in Kochi, Vijayan rejected the claims and questioned Rahul Gandhi's political judgment.
Despite being a national leader, Vijayan said, Rahul lacks the depth of understanding expected in politics and fails to grasp issues clearly or learn from past experiences, reported PTI.
Vijayan went further, alleging that the Congress has repeatedly contributed to the BJP's electoral success across multiple states.
He cited examples from Delhi, Haryana, and Bihar, claiming that the Congress either failed to build effective alliances or actively opposed potential partners, ultimately benefiting the BJP, reported PTI.
Referring to developments in Delhi, he pointed out that the Congress had demanded action against Arvind Kejriwal in a corruption case, only for the situation to later turn against both the Congress and the BJP.
The Kerala CM also criticised the Congress for not aligning with the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi to counter the BJP, arguing that such decisions weakened opposition unity, reported PTI.
He claimed that similar strategic failures in Haryana and Bihar assembly elections allowed the BJP to consolidate its position.
According to Vijayan, these instances demonstrate a pattern where Congress actions indirectly aid the BJP's political gains.
Vijayan also alleged that the Congress has historically aligned with ideological groups opposed to the Left in Kerala to gain power.
He claimed that over the decades, the Congress has worked alongside organisations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and its political affiliates, reported PTI.
He further asserted that both the Congress and the BJP share a similar political mindset, a claim often made by Left leaders in the state.
Dismissing the Congress' allegations of a "secret deal" between the CPI(M) and BJP, Vijayan termed such statements as an attempt to create a narrative ahead of upcoming elections, reported PTI.
He said these accusations were a form of "anticipatory defence" by the Congress leadership, including Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, in anticipation of electoral setbacks, reported PTI.
The political exchange underscores intensifying rhetoric between rival parties in Kerala as the state moves closer to the next electoral contest.
(With inputs from PTI)
