Listen to the article
Congress Leader Demands End to CPI(M)’s “Malicious Campaign” Against Sonia Gandhi
Senior Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala has issued a strong rebuke to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leadership in Kerala, demanding an immediate halt to what he described as a “baseless and malicious propaganda campaign” against former Congress president Sonia Gandhi.
In a statement released Friday, Chennithala emphasized Gandhi’s standing among prominent national CPI(M) leaders, pointing out the respect she commands across the left spectrum. “From Harkishan Singh Surjeet to Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M)’s national figures have always held Sonia Gandhi in high regard,” Chennithala stated.
The Congress leader highlighted the historical alliance between the two parties, recalling that during the formation of the first United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2004, “the earliest and strongest support for Sonia Gandhi came from the then CPI(M) general secretary Harkishan Singh Surjeet.” This support proved crucial in forming the coalition government that ruled India until 2014.
Chennithala also noted the “close and cordial relationship” that current CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury maintains with both Sonia Gandhi and her son, Rahul Gandhi, suggesting that the Kerala unit’s attacks contradict their own party’s national stance.
The controversy has reportedly caused internal discord within the CPI(M) itself. According to Chennithala, CPI(M) all-India leader M.A. Baby has already expressed disapproval of the state party’s approach, conveying “his displeasure over the issue to the State’s party leadership.” Despite this internal pushback, Kerala CPI(M) leaders, including V. Sivankutty, have continued their campaign against Gandhi.
Particularly troubling, according to Chennithala, is the nature of these attacks, which he characterized as “so reprehensible that it mirrored the tactics usually adopted by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Sangh Parivar”—a comparison that carries significant weight in Kerala’s political landscape, where both Congress and CPI(M) position themselves as bulwarks against BJP expansion.
At the heart of the dispute is the CPI(M)’s alleged attempt to implicate Gandhi in the controversial Sabarimala gold theft case. Chennithala described this as “a desperate move to shield the party’s image,” which he claimed has been “severely damaged by the controversy.” The Sabarimala case has been a politically charged issue in Kerala, with allegations of misappropriation of temple donations causing significant public outcry.
Chennithala further accused the CPI(M) of “political bankruptcy,” suggesting that the party is “resorting to diversionary propaganda after the exposure of alleged irregularities, including accusations related to the misuse of martyrdom funds.” These funds, traditionally collected to support families of CPI(M) workers killed in political violence, have recently become a source of controversy in Kerala politics.
The Congress leader’s statement concluded with a clear warning: “The Congress would not remain a mute spectator if the CPI(M) leadership sought to gain political advantage by maligning Ms. Gandhi.” He added that continued politically motivated allegations against her would prompt “a strong and fitting response” from people across the country.
This exchange represents the latest flashpoint in Kerala’s complex political landscape, where Congress and CPI(M) maintain a fierce rivalry at the state level despite occasional cooperation nationally against the BJP. Political observers note that with assembly elections approaching, tensions between the two main political forces in Kerala are likely to intensify further.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
8 Comments
It’s interesting to see the political dynamics between Congress and CPI(M) in Kerala. Chennithala’s comments highlight the complex history of their alliance and tensions. While ideological differences exist, there seems to have been a pragmatic working relationship in the past.
Chennithala’s call for an end to the ‘malicious propaganda campaign’ against Sonia Gandhi suggests the relationship has become more adversarial. It will be worth following how this plays out, especially with national political implications.
The relationship between Congress and CPI(M) in Kerala has clearly been complex, with periods of both cooperation and conflict. Chennithala’s comments highlight the historical ties, but also the current breakdown in relations. It will be interesting to see how this political drama unfolds.
The political dynamics between Congress and CPI(M) in Kerala are clearly in flux. Chennithala’s rebuke of the ‘malicious propaganda campaign’ against Sonia Gandhi suggests an escalating war of words. It will be important to see if the two parties can find a way to de-escalate the tensions or if the conflict continues to intensify.
Chennithala’s strong words against the CPI(M)’s ‘malicious propaganda campaign’ suggest the political tensions in Kerala have reached a boiling point. The historical alliance between the two parties seems to have given way to more adversarial positioning. This is a significant development worth following closely.
The fact that Chennithala is invoking the respect CPI(M) leaders like Surjeet and Yechury have had for Sonia Gandhi indicates he is trying to appeal to a sense of political tradition and decorum. However, the current state of affairs appears to have moved beyond that.
The long-standing respect and cooperation between CPI(M) and Congress leaders like Sonia Gandhi is an interesting political dynamic. It shows how ideological differences can sometimes be set aside for practical governing alliances. However, Chennithala’s stern rebuke suggests the current tensions may run deeper.
This appears to be a high-stakes political battle, with both sides trying to control the narrative. It will be important to see if cooler heads can prevail and if the two parties can find common ground, or if the conflict escalates further.