Congress, Rahul Gandhi BJP’s B-team, says Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan

Mangalore Today News Network

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 21, 2026: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday took a swipe at the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi, calling them the “B-team” of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

His remarks came in response to Gandhi’s recent claim that central agencies have targeted several opposition leaders across the country but not the Kerala CM.

Vijayan also accused the Congress of practising appeasement politics and seeking support from groups involved in both majority and minority communalism. He asserted that the CPI(M)-led LDF opposes all forms of communalism and does not align with such groups.

Commenting on the Sabarimala gold theft row, Vijayan said the probe is being monitored by the Kerala High Court, which has found no fault in the investigation despite allegations by the Congress-led UDF. He added that strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty and dismissed opposition claims as having no impact on the upcoming Assembly polls.

Highlighting his government’s performance, Vijayan said Kerala has witnessed significant progress in the education sector, with institutions being upgraded to international standards.

He also criticised the Centre for its “hostile” approach towards the state, particularly over financial aid for Wayanad rehabilitation, and termed BJP state chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s remarks about central support as “nonsense.”