Pinarayi Vijayan Says Rahul Gandhi's Approach Weakens INDIA Bloc

Internal tensions within the INDIA bloc resurfaced after senior CPI(M) leaders criticised Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Kerala politics and opposition coordination.

CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby said Rahul Gandhi was being urged to stop acting as a “facilitator for the ED and the Modi government” , accusing him of demanding action against opposition leaders including Kerala’s former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan .

His remarks came after Gandhi said at an INDIA bloc meeting that he would not “hug” Vijayan due to ongoing political rivalry, while stressing that opposition unity must remain flexible against what he called a “full-scale assault” by the BJP .

The row reflects broader friction within the alliance, with CPI(M) leaders also objecting to Congress campaign remarks in Kerala alleging a tacit understanding between CPI(M) and BJP. CPI(M) leader John Brittas raised these concerns at the alliance meeting, while the CPI(M) had earlier written to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over such allegations.

The exchange highlights continuing coordination challenges within the INDIA bloc , as ideological differences and regional rivalries strain opposition unity ahead of key political battles.