In Shorts
- Mani Shankar Aiyar criticised Congress leaders including Shashi Tharoor and Pawan Khera
- Remarks came after he praised Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan at a public seminar
- Congress distanced itself, calling his statements personal opinions
A political row has erupted within the Congress party after senior leader Mani Shankar Aiyar made strong remarks against his own party colleagues during a recent interview and public appearances, drawing sharp reactions ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Kerala.
The controversy began after Aiyar attended a development seminar in Thiruvananthapuram where he praised the performance of the Left government led by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He also expressed confidence that Vijayan would return to power in the forthcoming elections, a statement that did not go down well with leaders of the Indian National Congress who are preparing to challenge the ruling alliance in the state.
Soon after, Aiyar criticised senior Congress figures including Shashi Tharoor and party spokesperson Pawan Khera. In an interview, he alleged that internal divisions within the party’s Kerala unit could hurt its electoral prospects, claiming that leaders were deeply divided. He further described Khera as a “puppet” of the party and suggested that Tharoor harboured ambitions to take up a future ministerial role at the Centre.
Reacting to Aiyar’s statements, Pawan Khera distanced the party from the veteran leader’s views, stating that he had no formal connection with Congress activities in recent years and that his comments were made in a personal capacity. Other leaders also reiterated that the party remained confident of regaining political ground in Kerala despite the controversy.
The episode has once again highlighted internal disagreements within the Congress at a time when the party is attempting to project unity in the run up to a crucial electoral contest in the southern state.
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