Senior Congress figure and former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar has stirred political ripples in Kerala by publicly expressing confidence that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will return to power after the upcoming Assembly elections. His remarks, made at a public seminar in Thiruvananthapuram, have triggered sharp reactions within the Congress party.

Speaking at the “Vision 2031: Development and Democracy” seminar, inaugurated by Vijayan, Aiyar said, “In the presence of the chief minister, who I am sure will be the next chief minister, I renew my plea that Kerala must amend its state laws based on practical experience to reinforce its position as the strongest Panchayati Raj state in the country.” He also referred to policy inputs from Thomas Isaac and V.K. Ramachandran, urging reforms to strengthen decentralised governance.

His comments quickly drew criticism from Congress leaders. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera clarified that Aiyar does not represent the party. “Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar has had no connection whatsoever with the Congress for the past few years. He speaks purely in his personal capacity,” Khera stated publicly.

In an interview with NDTV, Aiyar escalated his criticism of his former party colleagues. He remarked, “I want the Congress to win, but I don’t believe it will because Congress leaders are divided. They hate each other more than they hate the Communists.” In the same conversation with NDTV, he described Pawan Khera as a “puppet” and questioned his role as party spokesperson, saying, “If the Congress cannot find anyone other than Pawan Khera to speak for it, it will remain in the condition it is in.”

Aiyar also made pointed observations about senior Congress leaders. Referring to Shashi Tharoor during his interview with NDTV, he said Tharoor is “anti-Pakistan” and suggested he harbours ambitions of becoming the “next foreign minister.” He further commented on Jairam Ramesh, stating that he “has to keep his job.”

Reacting firmly, Ramesh asserted that the electorate would bring the Congress-led alliance back to power in Kerala and dismissed suggestions of internal collapse. The controversy has intensified political chatter in the state, with Aiyar’s candid remarks placing the Congress in an uncomfortable spotlight ahead of a crucial electoral battle.