Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Indian National Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of acting as the “B-team” of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The remarks came during an interview, intensifying the political war of words ahead of key electoral battles.

Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s recent comment that central agencies have targeted several opposition leaders but not the Kerala Chief Minister, Vijayan dismissed the allegation and instead turned the attack back on the Congress. He claimed that the party’s actions often align with the BJP’s interests, alleging that it indirectly supports the ruling party at the Centre.

The Chief Minister further accused the Congress of engaging in appeasement politics and seeking support from groups involved in both majority and minority communalism. In contrast, he asserted that the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front maintains a firm stance against all forms of communal politics and does not rely on such support.

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Addressing the Sabarimala gold loss issue, Vijayan said the investigation is being monitored by the Kerala High Court, which has not found any fault with the probe so far. He added that the government remains committed to taking strict action against anyone found guilty, rejecting opposition allegations made by the Congress-led United Democratic Front.

Vijayan also highlighted reforms in Kerala’s higher education sector, stating that significant steps have been taken to raise academic standards to international levels. He positioned these efforts as part of the government’s broader development agenda.

At the same time, the Chief Minister criticised the Centre for what he described as a “hostile” approach towards Kerala on multiple issues, including financial assistance for Wayanad rehabilitation. He also dismissed remarks by BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar regarding central support to the state, calling them baseless.

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