CM Vijayan criticizes Rahul Gandhi for missing flags in roadshow

Thiruvananthapuram, April 4 (IANS) – Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized Rahul Gandhi and the Congress for disrespecting their party flag by not displaying it during a recent roadshow in Wayanad. The Congress also chose not to display flags of its ally IUML, sparking controversy.

Vijayan accused the Congress of being afraid of the BJP, stating, “The Congress party wants the vote of the IUML, but not their flag and for that, the Congress party also decided to forego their flag.” He took aim at Congress general secretary K.C.Venugopal’s decision to contest from Alappuzha, alleging it as a move to benefit the BJP.

The Chief Minister also questioned the actions of the Enforcement Directorate, suggesting a hidden agenda in their probe into real estate major DLF. Vijayan claimed a secret deal between the Congress and SDPI, leading to the latter’s support for UDF.

In response, K.C. Venugopal defended the Congress and criticized Vijayan for attacking the party instead of focusing on Kerala’s issues. Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan dismissed Vijayan’s concerns, stating the Congress does not need his advice and accusing him of being afraid of PM Modi.

IUML General Secretary P.M.A. Salam slammed Vijayan, accusing him of diverting attention from Kerala’s problems by stirring the flag controversy. Salam claimed Vijayan is closely aligned with Sangh Parivar forces and does not want the Congress to come to power due to pending cases.

The IUML, the second biggest ally of the Congress-led UDF, expressed disappointment in Vijayan’s actions and highlighted the need to focus on larger issues affecting the state. The political tension between parties in Kerala continues to escalate as the Lok Sabha elections draw near.

–IANS
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