New Delhi, Feb 16 (NationPress) Following the remarks made by senior Congress figure Mani Shankar Aiyar expressing his belief that Pinarayi Vijayan will remain the Chief Minister of Kerala, the BJP on Monday initiated a pointed critique of the Congress party, asserting that no individuals within it or its coalition accept Rahul Gandhi as their leader.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla commented to IANS, "Earlier today, I came across a report indicating that Mani Shankar Aiyar exhibited a lack of confidence in Rahul Gandhi, suggesting he would fail to lead the party to success. The Trinamool Congress in West Bengal allegedly chanted, 'Remove Rahul, bring Mamata, save the INDIA Bloc.' Furthermore, in Assam, former state Congress president Bhupen Borah has reportedly left the party."

Poonawalla further asserted that it was evident that faith in Rahul Gandhi is waning.

"It is evident that no one has faith in Rahul Gandhi. He has lost 95 elections, and there is no mandate. Their coalition partners, whether it be the Trinamool Congress or the Samajwadi Party, along with figures like Supriya Sule or Omar Abdullah or Hemant Soren, are distancing themselves from him," he stated.

He labeled Rahul Gandhi as a "non-performing asset" for the opposition alliance.

"For the INDIA Bloc, he represents a liability. Hence, everyone expresses a lack of confidence. Leaders, veterans, alliance partners—no one acknowledges him as their leader. Wherever he ventures, he causes them to lose elections," he added.

In response, Congress leader Udit Raj remarked, "Why are questions directed towards Congress? If Mani Shankar said it, question him. This isn't a matter of integrity, but rather an agenda. Mani Shankar Aiyar holds no post, so why drag Congress into it?"

The Congress party on Monday attempted to distance itself from Aiyar's public commendation of CM Vijayan, which sparked backlash within the party in the state.

Aiyar had praised CM Vijayan's leadership and predicted his return for a third consecutive term, causing unrest among Congress' Kerala unit, which aims to displace the Left Front government.

As the party seeks to intensify its critique of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), Aiyar's statement was perceived as undermining its campaign narrative.

To mitigate the fallout, Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal clarified on Monday that Aiyar’s views do not represent the party's official stance.

"This isn't Congress' opinion. It's his personal viewpoint," Venugopal stated, adding that Aiyar has not engaged in Congress activities for a significant period.

"He was indeed a Congressman, but such opinions are entirely personal and not reflective of the party’s perspective," he emphasized.

This clarification illustrates the unease within the party's central leadership regarding the controversy.

In Kerala, grassroots leaders expressed strong discontent, claiming Aiyar’s praise undermines the efforts of workers protesting against what they perceive as the anti-people policies of the Vijayan government.