Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala criticized Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging a divisive strategy to polarize voters based on religion for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections. Chennithala claimed that the Chief Minister views communal division as essential for the CPI-M-led government’s survival in the polls. He highlighted the active pursuit of strategies by the Left government that were previously attempted by the BJP and the RSS.
Chennithala pointed out the selective encouragement of both minority and majority communalism as part of a calculated political approach. He mentioned the Chief Minister’s focus on the Citizenship Amendment Act during the recent parliamentary elections to consolidate minority votes, a strategy that was rejected by Kerala’s electorate. Following this defeat, Chennithala alleged a shift in the CPI-M’s approach towards appeasing majority communal sentiments.
Drawing parallels with historical colonial policies, Chennithala likened the current situation in Kerala to the “divide and rule” doctrine implemented by British Viceroy Lord Minto. He accused the Chief Minister of engaging in communal polarization akin to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting a symbiotic relationship between the BJP and the CPI-M rather than political rivalry.
The Congress leader also raised concerns about the increasing influence of the RSS in governance, citing acknowledgments from constituents of the Left Democratic Front. He criticized the state police for allegedly showing leniency in cases involving RSS members and questioned the government’s handling of incidents at Sabarimala, including allowing an RSS leader to hoist the national flag at a school.
Chennithala further criticized senior CPI-M leader A.K. Balan’s statements, claiming they align with the Chief Minister’s stance despite opposition within the CPI-M. On other political matters, he mentioned the absence of discussions regarding the inclusion of the Jose K. Mani-led party back into the UDF and clarified sharing information on the Sabarimala gold-sheet issue with the Special Investigation Team for further action.
