Congress and IUML Slam CPM Leader’s Communal Remarks Against Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi

The Congress and its ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), have strongly condemned CPM Politburo member A. Vijayaraghavan’s remarks suggesting that Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra secured electoral victories in Wayanad with the support of "Muslim fundamentalist elements." The comments, made during the CPM's district conference in Wayanad, have drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders.

Addressing the gathering, Vijayaraghavan, a former acting state secretary of the CPM, alleged, “Rahul Gandhi won his seat in Parliament with the backing of Muslim fundamentalist elements. Priyanka Gandhi’s roadshows were also supported by members of minority extremist groups. Would their victories have been possible without this support?” His remarks referred to Rahul Gandhi's Lok Sabha election win and Priyanka Gandhi’s subsequent by-election victory in the Wayanad constituency.

Reacting to these statements, IUML leader and former MLA K.M. Shaji accused Vijayaraghavan of promoting divisive rhetoric. “His comments are more communal than what one might expect even from RSS leaders. He spews communalism every time he speaks. But let him play his dirty games; the IUML will continue to fight for justice and ensure he faces political defeats,” Shaji asserted during a party meeting.

Congress General Secretary and Working Committee Member K.C. Venugopal also criticized Vijayaraghavan, calling his remarks deeply communal. “How can a Politburo member of the CPM, a party that claims to be secular, make such divisive statements? This kind of rhetoric is unbecoming of a leader of his stature,” Venugopal said. The opposition’s rebuttal highlights their unified stance against what they perceive as an attempt by the CPM to stoke communal tensions in the politically significant Wayanad region.