Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has once again embarrassed the party. On 15 February 2026, at a government event in Thiruvananthapuram, he praised Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and predicted that he would remain the Chief Minister even after the upcoming assembly elections. He said that Kerala has made the most progress in Panchayati Raj and Congress has left this ‘baton’, so Vijayan should pick it up.
Iyer becomes a thorn in the side of Congress in Kerala elections
Mani Shankar’s statement has come at a time when assembly elections are near in Kerala. Congress is trying to return to power under the UDF (United Democratic Front) in the elections to be held in May 2026. Aiyar’s statements have created an uproar in the party and Congress has immediately distanced itself from them.
Congress distanced itself from Iyer
Congress has said that for the last few years, this experienced leader has no connection with the party and he speaks and writes entirely in his personal capacity. Congress spokesperson Pawan Kheda, while responding to Aiyar’s bad words, said, ‘Mani Shankar Aiyar’s relations with Congress have been broken for the last few years. He speaks and writes in his personal capacity.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, while reposting Pawan Kheda’s X post, wrote, ‘There should be no doubt. The people of Kerala will bring UDF back to power for more responsible and accountable governance. They know that LDF and BJP are secret partners.
Iyer harms Congress’s strategy
Iyer has been a former Union Minister and Panchayati Raj Minister of Congress, but his outspoken comments often create controversies. The party has suspended him earlier also. Now his new statement is embarrassing the Congress, especially before the Kerala elections where the party is trying to return to power under the UDF. Aiyar’s attacks raise questions on the internal unity of the party and show that even big leaders are struggling with internal differences.
These statements can harm Congress’s Kerala election strategy. LDF may benefit from Iyer’s praise, while questions are being raised on the internal unity and opposition image of Congress. The party has repeatedly distanced itself from Aiyar, but his comments continue to affect the party’s image.
