CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas sharply criticized Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday for equating the Communist Party of India (Marxist) with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during a speech in Kottayam, Kerala, on Friday. Brittas called Gandhi’s remarks “ridiculous” and “preposterous,” accusing him of sowing division among secular forces at a time when opposition unity is crucial ahead of the Parliament’s Monsoon Session, set to begin July 21, 2025.

Gandhi, addressing a Congress event, stated he fights both the RSS and CPI(M) ideologically, alleging their “lack of feelings for the people.” Brittas, in response, told PTI, “Whenever he goes to Kerala, there is a penchant for him to speak such rubbish things.” He argued that Gandhi’s comments, influenced by the Kerala Congress unit, misrepresent the Left’s decades-long battle against the RSS, which has cost the CPI(M) “countless dedicated workers” in Kerala. Brittas emphasized that the CPI(M) supported the Congress-led UPA in 2004 to keep the BJP out of power, questioning Congress’s historical role during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition.

“The sole purpose of the opposition leader should be to unite secular forces, not create confusion and division,” Brittas said, urging Gandhi to focus on countering the BJP. He expressed optimism that Gandhi’s remarks would not derail opposition unity in the upcoming session, stating, “We are for a united opposition in Parliament.” On X, Brittas further criticized Gandhi, suggesting his knowledge of the RSS likely came from the late CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury and accusing the Congress of keeping Gandhi “politically naïve” by using Kerala, particularly Wayanad—a stronghold of Congress ally IUML—as a safe stage for attacking the RSS.

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The controversy highlights tensions within the INDIA bloc, with Gandhi’s remarks drawing ire from Left allies. CPI(M)’s Kerala state secretary M.V. Govindan echoed Brittas, calling the comparison “unacceptable” and pointing to the Left’s sacrifices, including 22 activists killed by RSS-BJP workers since 2016. Despite the friction, Congress sources indicated no immediate response from Gandhi, who is reportedly focusing on broader opposition coordination for the Monsoon Session, where issues like the Pahalgam terror attack and economic disparities will dominate.

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