New Delhi, February 16: Congress leader and former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar is once again in the spotlight due to his recent comments regarding Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Aiyar stated that Kerala is the only state in India that has progressed along the path laid out by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. He also expressed confidence that Vijayan will retain his position in the upcoming assembly elections.
However, the Congress party has quickly distanced itself from Aiyar’s remarks. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera labeled Aiyar’s comments as personal opinions. Khera took to social media platform X to clarify, stating, “Mani Shankar Aiyar has had no connection with Congress for several years. He speaks and writes purely in his personal capacity.”
Aiyar made these statements while addressing the Kerala government’s Vision 2031 International Conference on Development and Democracy in Thiruvananthapuram. He remarked on the unusual fact that Kerala, governed by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), is the only state in India that has advanced by following Gandhi’s principles.
He added, “I don’t know if this is a compliment or an insult,” but expressed strong belief that Pinarayi Vijayan will continue as Chief Minister.
In Kerala, Congress serves as the main opposition party, while the CPI(M) has been in power for two consecutive terms and is expected to maintain its hold in the upcoming elections. Consequently, Congress has responded to Aiyar’s statements, reiterating that he speaks solely for himself.
