Rahul Gandhi's 'won't hug' comment sparks clash within India's INDIA alliance

At an INDIA alliance meeting on June 8, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi said he would not hug former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, citing their ongoing political rivalry. The audio of his remark circulated publicly, prompting sharp criticism from the CPI(M). Left veteran Vijayan argued that Gandhi's approach weakens the alliance and often benefits the BJP, while party officials MA Baby and John Brittas warned that such gestures betray political decency.

Congress defended Gandhi, with AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal accusing the Left of using the episode to deflect from its own electoral setbacks in Kerala. The dispute highlights tensions within the opposition coalition ahead of upcoming elections, raising questions about its cohesion and strategic direction.