Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan delivered a scathing critique of the Congress party and its leader Rahul Gandhi during an event commemorating the Azhikodan memorial in Kannur on Sunday. Vijayan cast doubt on the steadfastness of Congress members' loyalties and questioned the party's stance on crucial national issues, emphasizing the lack of clarity in their positions.
In his remarks, Vijayan highlighted the uncertainty within the Congress leadership, suggesting that there is a palpable uncertainty regarding the future allegiance of its leaders. He expressed disappointment with the party's failure to adopt a decisive stance on significant matters impacting the nation, noting a departure from the principles espoused by Pandit Nehru, which has resulted in a weakening of the party's traditional strongholds and provided opportunities for Hindutva communalist forces to exploit.
Regarding the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, Vijayan contrasted the prompt rejection of the invitation by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) with the prolonged deliberation undertaken by the Congress. He questioned the Congress's commitment to secularism and asserted that only the Left possesses the capability to effectively counter the ideological influence of the Sangh Parivar.
Vijayan also criticized Rahul Gandhi directly, highlighting an incident where Gandhi protested in front of a temple in Assam's Nagaon district on the same day Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ayodhya for the Ram Mandir ceremony. While acknowledging that temple visits and religious practices are personal choices, Vijayan raised concerns about the timing and symbolism of such actions, suggesting they may carry implicit messages that could be interpreted unfavorably.
Overall, Vijayan's remarks underscored his belief that the Congress's lack of clarity and its leadership's actions undermine its ability to effectively confront ideological challenges, contrasting it with the principled and decisive approach of the Left.
