Congress distances itself from Mani Shankar Aiyar’s ‘Vijayan next Kerala CM’ remarks

Congress distances itself from Mani Shankar Aiyar's comments on Kerala's CM, asserting he speaks solely in a personal capacity.

The Congress has distanced itself from Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks that Pinarayi Vijayan will continue as the Chief Minister of Kerala, saying the veteran leader has had no connection whatsoever with the party for the last few years and he speaks and writes purely in his personal capacity.

Congress also asserted that the people of Kerala will bring the United Democratic Front (UDF) back in power in the southern state for more responsible and responsive governance.

Ahead of the Kerala Assembly polls, Mr. Aiyar expressed confidence on Sunday (February 15, 2026) that Mr. Vijayan of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) will continue to be the State's CM.

Reacting to his remarks, Congress's media and publicity department head Pawan Khera on Sunday said, "Mr. 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." Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh tagged Mr. Khera's post on X and asserted that the people of Kerala will bring the UDF back in power in the State for more responsible and responsive governance.

"Let there be no doubt. The people of Kerala will bring the UDF back for more responsible and responsive governance. They also know LDF and BJP are covert partners," Mr. Ramesh said on X.

Speaking at an international seminar in Thiruvananthapuram titled "Vision 2031: Development and Democracy", which was inaugurated by Mr. Vijayan, Mr. Aiyar said necessary amendments should be introduced to legally secure Kerala's top position in the panchayati raj system and offered suggestions for it.