Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling him the “B-Team” of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Vijayan accused the Congress of indulging in appeasement politics, intensifying the political war of words ahead of the 2026 Kerala assembly elections.
Speaking at a public event in Palakkad, Vijayan dismissed Gandhi’s recent remarks on central agencies targeting opposition leaders, turning the criticism back on the Congress. He alleged that the party’s strategy is aligned with BJP interests, undermining its credibility as a genuine opposition force in Kerala.
Political Context
The remarks come as Kerala gears up for a high-stakes election, with the Left Democratic Front (LDF) seeking to retain power against a resurgent Congress and BJP. Vijayan’s comments are seen as part of the LDF’s broader narrative to position itself as the only true alternative to communal politics.
Congress Response And Implications
Congress leaders have rejected Vijayan’s accusations, framing them as diversionary tactics. Analysts suggest that such sharp rhetoric could polarize voters further, with both Congress and BJP attempting to expand their influence in Kerala’s traditionally Left-leaning political landscape.
Key Highlights
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Vijayan calls Rahul Gandhi BJP’s “B-Team”
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Accuses Congress of appeasement politics
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Remarks made during Palakkad event
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Congress dismisses allegations as diversionary
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Kerala elections 2026 shaping into a three-way contest
Sources: India TV News, The New Indian Express, The Indian Witness