Pinarayi Vijayan attacks Rahul Gandhi, exposing split in India's INDIA opposition bloc

Kerala opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan, a senior figure in the Communist Party of India (Marxist), sharply criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after the latter said he could not hug Vijayan at a recent INDIA bloc meeting. Vijayan argued that such remarks undermine the unity of the anti‑BJP alliance, quoting, "When Rahul Gandhi and I meet, we either greet each other or shake hands…" He warned that the Congress’ approach could benefit the ruling party. The dispute highlighted broader tensions within the INDIA coalition, with regional partners such as Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also voicing concerns over Congress’ centralised strategy. Observers note the row may prompt the CPI(M) to reassess its participation in the bloc.