Congress–Left Rift Surfaces in INDIA Bloc Over Rahul’s Remarks on Pinarayi

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, June 14, 2026: Fresh strains have emerged within the Opposition INDIA bloc, with the Congress and Left parties at odds over remarks made by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi regarding former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

At a June 8 meeting of the INDIA alliance, Gandhi was heard in an audio recording saying he would not hug Vijayan because of their ongoing political rivalry in Kerala.

“We have our fights, but if you are asking me to go and hug the ex-Chief Minister of Kerala, I cannot and I will not because I have an ongoing political fight with him,” Gandhi said.

The remarks triggered criticism from Left leaders, raising concerns over cohesion within the Opposition alliance. While the Congress and CPI(M) remain allies at the national level, they are longstanding political rivals in Kerala.

Responding to the controversy, Vijayan said hugging has never been a norm between the two leaders and that their interactions are generally limited to formal greetings or handshakes. However, he said the political message behind Gandhi’s comments was troubling.

“My objection is not the act of hugging itself. What concerns me is the political message behind the remarks. It reflects Rahul Gandhi’s approach and how he perceives the INDIA alliance,” Vijayan told reporters.

CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby said no one had asked Gandhi to hug Vijayan but urged him to stop demanding the former chief minister’s arrest. CPI(M) MP John Brittas said the issue was not about personal gestures but about maintaining the integrity of INDIA bloc politics.

Senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat also criticised Gandhi, saying, “We don’t want any hugs from anybody. Communists don’t need hugs. We need clear politics. Rahul Gandhi, keep your hugs to yourself. But as the LoP, please respect leaders of the opposition like Pinarayi Vijayan.”

The BJP seized on the controversy, describing the INDIA bloc as an alliance of convenience and questioning the Opposition’s unity ahead of future political battles.