Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar’s comment that Pinarayi Vijayan will continue as the Chief Minister of Kerala has sparked a strong reaction from his party, which distanced itself from his remarks. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera stated that Aiyar has had no connection with the party for several years and that he speaks and writes solely in his personal capacity.
"Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar has had no connection whatsoever with Congress for the past few years. He speaks and writes purely in his personal capacity," Khera said.
Congress general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, asserted that the people of Kerala will bring the UDF back to power for more responsible and responsive governance. "Let there be no doubt. The people of Kerala will bring the UDF back for more responsible and responsive governance. They also know that the LDF and BJP are covert partners," Ramesh said on X.
Aiyar’s remark came during an international seminar in Thiruvananthapuram titled "Vision 2031: Development and Democracy," which was inaugurated by Chief Minister Vijayan. A former Union Minister for Panchayati Raj during the Congress-led UPA government, Aiyar praised Kerala's progress, particularly in Panchayati Raj, though he noted that while Kerala leads in this area, it ranks second in law.
In his speech, Aiyar said, "In the presence of the Chief Minister, who I am sure will be the next Chief Minister, I renew my plea that to reinforce Kerala as the best Panchayati Raj state in the country, state laws should be amended based on practical experience, Thomas Isaac's insights, and the five-volume report I chaired."
He added, "Therefore, I must fall at your feet, Chief Minister Vijayan, and request you to pick up the baton that the Congress has dropped. Thank you, and may Kerala prosper."
Vijayan responded to Aiyar’s remarks on social media, describing them as "charismatic words" that resonate with the current context.
However, local Congress leaders were angered by Aiyar’s comments, especially with the upcoming assembly elections. KPCC spokesperson Jinto John criticized Aiyar as an "intellectual who does not serve justice to the times and the common people," even calling him an "Alavalathi," meaning a worthless person.
