Congress Distances Itself from Mani Shankar Aiyar's Remarks on Pinarayi Vijayan Continuing as Kerala CM

The Congress party has distanced itself from Mani Shankar Aiyar's comments regarding Pinarayi Vijayan's continuation as Kerala's chief minister, emphasising Aiyar's lack of connection with the party and expressing confidence in the UDF's return to power.

Mani Shankar Aiyar recently expressed confidence that Pinarayi Vijayan will continue as Kerala's chief minister. However, the Congress party distanced itself from Aiyar's comments, stating he has had no ties with them for several years. The party emphasised that Aiyar speaks solely in his personal capacity and not on behalf of Congress.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh reiterated the party's stance, asserting that the United Democratic Front (UDF) will return to power in Kerala. He stated, "Let there be no doubt. The people of Kerala will bring the UDF back for more responsible and responsive governance. They also know LDF and BJP are covert partners."

Focus on Panchayati Raj System

Aiyar spoke at an international seminar in Thiruvananthapuram titled "Vision 2031: Development and Democracy," inaugurated by Vijayan. He suggested amendments to secure Kerala's top position in the panchayati raj system. Aiyar recalled Mahatma Gandhi's vision of India, where even the poorest would feel ownership and have a voice in nation-building.

He noted that Kerala has made significant progress towards this goal under a Marxist-Leninist government. Aiyar remarked, "I do not know whether this is a compliment or an insult, but I deeply regret the absence of my party colleagues on this occasion, which is a state occasion and therefore, a national occasion."

Comparisons with Karnataka

Aiyar highlighted that while Kerala leads in panchayati raj practice, it ranks second in law. He praised Karnataka's legislation based on the Ramesh Kumar Committee's recommendations, which included 38 amendments he proposed. All these suggestions were accepted, setting an example for other states.

He urged Chief Minister Vijayan to amend state laws to reinforce Kerala as the best panchayati raj state. Aiyar referenced insights from Thomas Isaac and a five-volume report he chaired to support his plea for legislative changes.

Aiyar's Appeal to Vijayan

Aiyar lamented the lack of champions for panchayati raj in India and appealed to Vijayan to lead this cause. He said, "Therefore, I must fall at your feet, Chief Minister Vijayan, and request you to pick up the baton that the Congress has dropped. Thank you and may Kerala prosper."

Vijayan appreciated Aiyar's remarks, describing them as charismatic words resonating with current times. In a social media post about the Vision 2031 International Conference, Vijayan affirmed his government's commitment to strengthening grassroots democracy.

With inputs from PTI