Congress Dismisses Mani Shankar Aiyar's Remarks as Personal Opinion

Congress leaders criticize Mani Shankar Aiyar's prediction of continued Left Democratic Front rule in Kerala, dismissing them as personal views. General Secretary KC Venugopal and other members stress that Aiyar no longer represents Congress, emphasizing the party's focus on winning the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections led by the United Democratic Front.

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal has called out former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar's recent predictions about the continuation of Pinarayi Vijayan's government in Kerala as merely personal opinions. Venugopal highlighted that Aiyar's remarks do not reflect the Congress party's stance, pointing out that Aiyar is not currently affiliated with the party.

Echoing Venugopal's disapproval, Congress leader Sachin Pilot, who serves as a Senior Observer for the Kerala Assembly elections, also refrained from commenting on Aiyar's statements. Instead, Pilot emphasized Aiyar's lack of association with the Congress party, signaling a unified stance among party leaders.

Additionally, Congress MP Jebi Mather criticized Aiyar, suggesting that he lacks an understanding of Kerala's political landscape and voter sentiment. Mather referenced the results of local body elections as indicative of widespread support for the United Democratic Front, projecting confidence in a UDF-led government with a Congress Chief Minister.

Further clarification came from Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who noted that party spokesperson Pawan Khera had issued a clarification regarding Aiyar's non-affiliation. Chennithala questioned the relevance of commenting on someone who is not part of the party, reinforcing the dismissive tone towards Aiyar's statements.

Previously, at a conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Mani Shankar Aiyar had expressed optimism about the return of Kerala's Left Democratic Front government while advocating for amendments to state laws to bolster Kerala as a leading Panchayati Raj state. Speaking alongside CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Aiyar called for legal enhancements based on comprehensive studies and past experiences.

(With inputs from agencies.)