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Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the United Democratic Front (UDF) would return to power in Kerala, rejecting Aiyar’s prediction on CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s comeback.
Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar
The Congress on Sunday distanced itself from senior leader Mani Shankar Aiyar after his remarks predicting that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan would continue in office after the next Assembly elections.
The party said that the United Democratic Front (UDF) would return to power in the state, rejecting any suggestion made otherwise.
Addressing the controversy, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said Aiyar’s comments did not reflect the party’s position.
“Mani Shankar Aiyar has had no connection whatsoever with the Congress for the past few years. He speaks and writes purely in his personal capacity,” Khera said, underlining that the party does not endorse his views.
Echoing this stance, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh struck a confident note about the opposition’s prospects in Kerala.
“Let there be no doubt. The people of Kerala will bring the UDF back for more responsible and responsive governance,” he said, alleging that the ruling Left Democratic Front and the Bharatiya Janata Party function as “covert partners” in the state.
The controversy stems from Aiyar’s remarks at the Vision 2031 International Conference on Democracy and Development, where he praised the LDF government’s panchayati raj model and expressed confidence that Vijayan would secure a third consecutive term.
Speaking at the event, Aiyar described Kerala as a leading example of decentralised governance, even calling it ironic that significant progress in Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of grassroots democracy had been achieved under a Left government.
Aiyar’s comments were welcomed by Vijayan, who later acknowledged them on social media, reiterating his government’s commitment to strengthening local self-governments.
However, the remarks have come at a politically sensitive moment, with the Congress intensifying its efforts to stage a comeback in Kerala.
Senior party leader Ramesh Chennithala had reportedly urged prominent invitees, including economist Amartya Sen, to stay away from the seminar, viewing it as politically loaded. Aiyar, however, chose to attend and speak at the event.
Kerala, India, India
February 16, 2026, 07:47 IST
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