Controversial remarks spark political row with Congress dismissing A Vijayaraghavan’s views as baseless and politically motivated
Team Clarion
WAYANAD – CPI(M) Politburo member A Vijayaraghavan has stirred controversy with his remarks on the recent electoral victories of Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi from Wayanad constituency in Kerala. Speaking at a party conference in the Wayanad District’s Sultan Bathery town on Sunday, Vijayaraghavan alleged that the Gandhis’ success was driven by the backing of a “communal Muslim alliance” and accused Congress of relying on extremist elements within the minority community.
“Without the strong support of the communal Muslim alliance, would Rahul Gandhi have won? Who were the people in front of and behind Priyanka Gandhi’s rallies? These were the worst extremists among the minorities,” claimed Vijayaraghavan.
Rahul Gandhi initially won the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in 2019 and retained it in the 2024 elections. However, after also winning from Rae Bareli in 2024, Rahul vacated the Wayanad seat, triggering a by-election. Priyanka Gandhi contested on behalf of Congress and secured a landslide victory, defeating CPI’s Satyan Mokeri by a margin of over 4 lakh votes.
The by-election result marked a significant milestone for Congress in Kerala, solidifying its position in a traditionally Left-leaning state.
Congress leaders dismissed Vijayaraghavan’s remarks as baseless and politically motivated. Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal countered the claims, stating, “When Amit Shah insulted Ambedkar, Pinarayi Vijayan remained silent. Instead, his party’s politburo members are making such divisive statements. These accusations reflect their desperation.”
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier echoed similar sentiments during the by-election campaign, alleging that Priyanka Gandhi had the support of Jamaat-e-Islami. Congress categorically denied the claims, labelling them as attempts to divert attention from substantive issues.
In the 2024 Wayanad by-election, Priyanka secured a decisive victory with a margin of 4,10,000 votes over CPI’s Mokeri, while BJP’s Navya Haridas finished third. Earlier in the year, Rahul Gandhi retained the Wayanad seat with a margin of 3,64, votes against CPI’s Annie Raja. Similarly, in the 2019 general election, Rahul Gandhi achieved a commanding victory in Wayanad defeating his opponents with a margin of 4,31,000 votes, securing 51.95 percent of the total votes cast.
The statements by Vijayaraghavan have ignited debates about communal polarisation and its impact on electoral politics in Kerala. Analysts suggest that such remarks reflect the CPI(M)’s attempt to undermine Congress’s growing influence in the state.
“The rhetoric about communal alliances risks alienating minority voters and diluting the Left’s message of secularism. While Congress is making inroads, the Left must introspect on its strategy,” a political commentator noted.
Priyanka Gandhi’s resounding win has bolstered Congress’s morale, while Rahul Gandhi’s dual-seat victory underscores his national appeal. The BJP’s inability to make significant inroads in Wayanad highlights the region’s strong opposition to its ideological stance.
As Kerala’s political landscape witnesses heightened competition, the focus on communal narratives threatens to overshadow pressing developmental and governance issues. While the CPI(M) and Congress continue to clash, the electorate’s verdict underscores their preference for leadership that prioritises inclusive growth and progress.