Key Facts
CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during the INDIA bloc meeting. Baby urged Gandhi to stop being a 'facilitator for the ED and Modi government' by demanding the arrest of opposition leaders.
Details of the Dispute
Speaking at the June 8 meeting of the opposition alliance, Gandhi had stated that he 'cannot hug' Vijayan due to an ongoing political fight. This remark came after Left leaders objected to allegations made by Congress leaders during the Kerala assembly polls campaign, including claims of a tacit understanding between the then-ruling CPI(M) and the BJP.
In a post on X, Baby clarified: 'Nobody is asking Rahul Gandhi to hug Pinarayi Vijayan. On the contrary, all that we are asking is that he stop being a facilitator for the ED and the Modi government by demanding the arrest of Pinarayi Vijayan and other opposition leaders. That is not the job of the leader of the opposition.'
Rahul Gandhi's Response
Gandhi defended his stance, saying: 'We have our fights, but if you're asking me to go and hug the ex-chief minister of Kerala, I cannot and I will not because I have an ongoing political fight with him.' He added: 'So we have to be flexible, and we have to realise that there is a full-scale assault on us trying to prove that the opposition is weak, is disorganised.'
Impact on INDIA Bloc Unity
According to sources, CPI(M) Rajya Sabha leader John Brittas raised concerns during the meeting over Congress allegations. Ahead of the meeting, Baby also wrote to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, objecting to the allegations as inconsistent with the spirit of cooperation within the alliance. Brittas argued that while the CPI(M) could politically contest charges from Congress leaders, it was different when such remarks came from Gandhi, a principal face of the alliance. He questioned the purpose of partners sitting together if one constituent publicly accused another of helping the ruling party.
What Readers Should Know
- The CPI(M) and Congress are key allies in the INDIA bloc, formed to counter the BJP in the 2024 general elections.
- Rahul Gandhi's remarks highlight internal tensions within the opposition alliance.
- The ED has been investigating several opposition leaders, including Pinarayi Vijayan, in various cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did CPI(M) attack Rahul Gandhi?
CPI(M) attacked Rahul Gandhi for his remarks against Pinarayi Vijayan at the INDIA bloc meeting, accusing him of facilitating the ED and Modi government by demanding Vijayan's arrest.
What did Rahul Gandhi say about Pinarayi Vijayan?
Rahul Gandhi said he cannot hug Vijayan due to ongoing political fights and urged flexibility within the opposition alliance.
What was the context of the dispute?
The dispute arose during an INDIA bloc meeting where Left leaders objected to Congress allegations of a tacit understanding between CPI(M) and BJP during Kerala assembly polls.