Kannur (Kerala): AICC General Secretary K. C. Venugopal on Thursday hit back at Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over his criticism of Rahul Gandhi, asserting that the people of the state would give a “vivid reply” in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Speaking to mediapersons in Kannur, the Congress Lok Sabha MP from Alappuzha said the Chief Minister had “no moral right” to comment on Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of relying on the BJP. He further termed the remarks against the Congress leader as “low-level attacks,” adding that voters in Kerala would respond decisively.
The exchange comes after Vijayan, during a press conference in Ernakulam earlier in the day, described Rahul Gandhi and the Congress as the “B-team” of the BJP. He also questioned Gandhi’s political judgment, alleging that the party was echoing the ruling party’s positions instead of introspecting.
Kerala is set to go to polls in a single phase on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4. The tenure of the current Assembly will end on May 23.
Venugopal also criticised the Centre’s handling of the West Asia conflict, calling the all-party meeting “delayed” and pointing to gaps in India’s foreign policy approach. He said India should maintain a neutral stance and play a more active mediating role, as it had done in the past.