He further alleged that despite political differences on the surface, there existed a deeper connection between the LDF and the BJP that was influencing the political landscape in the state
Rahul Gandhi. Pic/PTI
Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a strong political attack against both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging a tacit understanding between the two in Kerala. Addressing an election rally in Alappuzha, Gandhi accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of being aligned with forces that he claimed were responsible for targeting minority communities in different parts of the country, reported news agency PTI.
He further alleged that despite political differences on the surface, there existed a deeper connection between the LDF and the BJP that was influencing the political landscape in the state.
Claims of ideological shift within the Left
Gandhi pointed to the presence of former CPI(M) leader G. Sudhakaran on the stage as a sign of internal changes within the Left. Sudhakaran, now contesting as an Independent candidate with support from the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), was cited as an example of what Gandhi described as a broader ideological shift within the LDF, reported PTI.
According to Gandhi, leaders who had spent decades within Left politics were now reconsidering their positions due to what he termed a fundamental transformation in the alliance’s direction. He argued that the LDF no longer represented traditional Left values, suggesting that its identity had eroded over time, reported PTI.
Allegations of ‘hidden influence’ guiding LDF
The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha claimed that a “hidden hand” was shaping the functioning of the LDF. He described this influence as divisive and contrary to constitutional principles, alleging that it promoted communal polarisation and societal divisions, reported PTI.
Gandhi further asserted that political workers and leaders within the Left were increasingly uncomfortable with this perceived shift. He categorised LDF leaders into two groups—those seeking power irrespective of ideological compromises, and those who felt disillusioned by the current trajectory of the alliance.
Criticism of Prime Minister over selective silence
Gandhi also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of selectively addressing religious issues during election campaigns. He questioned why Modi, who frequently speaks about religion and temples in other states, had not raised similar issues in Kerala, reported PTI.
Referring to the Sabarimala-related controversies, Gandhi suggested that the Prime Minister’s silence indicated a political calculation aimed at indirectly supporting the LDF. He claimed that the BJP does not aggressively challenge the LDF in Kerala because it does not view it as a national threat.
Minority concerns raised in political debate
Highlighting broader concerns, Gandhi alleged that minority communities were facing attacks in several parts of the country. He referred to incidents involving religious institutions and individuals, arguing that such developments were part of a larger pattern, reported PTI.
He further claimed that the Kerala leadership’s alleged association with groups linked to such incidents raised serious questions. The remarks add to the intensifying political rhetoric in the state ahead of elections, with both national and regional parties stepping up their campaigns.
The allegations made by Gandhi are likely to trigger strong responses from both the LDF and the BJP, further sharpening the political contest in Kerala.
(With inputs from PTI)
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