Rahul Gandhi Condemns LDF's 'Who Else' Campaign as Height of Political Arrogance
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Monday against the advertisement campaign of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, which prominently features a huge portrait of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan with the tagline 'Who Else'. Addressing public meetings at Kunnamkulam and Mala in Thrissur district, Gandhi alleged that both Vijayan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi share an arrogant self-perception that only they are capable of ruling the state and the country.
Shared Mindset of Intolerance and Suppression
Rahul Gandhi asserted that both Pinarayi Vijayan and Narendra Modi believe no one else has the capacity to govern Kerala and India, demonstrating intolerance to criticisms and actively working to crush those who question their authority. "How can a chief minister go to the people with the question, 'Who Else' to rule. It is the height of arrogance," Gandhi declared during his speeches.
He further advised the Chief Minister to remove the controversial billboards from Kerala's streets, stating that every time a Keralite looks at those boards, they feel insulted because the message implies ordinary citizens cannot rule their own state. "Precisely it is this arrogant mindset that we are fighting. It is the same mindset that Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Himanta Biswa Sarma have," Gandhi emphasized.
Allegations of BJP-CPM Understanding and Mutual Protection
Reiterating longstanding allegations of a BJP-CPM deal, Rahul Gandhi claimed that Modi and Pinarayi avoid criticizing each other while supporting one another's political interests. He pointed to specific examples to substantiate his claims:
- Pinarayi Vijayan allegedly tortured those who waved black flags at him during protests
- Narendra Modi uses investigating agencies against critics, with Gandhi citing over 30 cases filed against himself and 55 hours of continuous interrogation
- Modi deliberately avoids discussing the Sabarimala gold heist to protect Pinarayi Vijayan
Gandhi also connected this alleged understanding to international affairs, suggesting that the signing of the India-US deal indicates US President Donald Trump controls Modi, while the Kerala Chief Minister is similarly controlled by Modi and Shah.
Priyanka Gandhi Accuses LDF of Ideological Compromise
Meanwhile, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra separately alleged that the LDF has entered into a secret deal with the BJP, compromising its core ideology, accountability, and sense of responsibility solely to retain power. Campaigning for KPCC president Sunny Joseph in Iritty, she claimed the people of Kerala have suffered under a corrupt government.
"We have seen massive thefts in Sabarimala but there has been no word from the Prime Minister. All of us who oppose PM and raise our voice against him have ED cases, income tax cases and CBI cases on us but not a single one on the chief minister of Kerala," Priyanka Gandhi stated, highlighting what she described as selective application of investigative agencies.
Fundamental Critique of Leadership Philosophy
Beyond specific allegations, Rahul Gandhi articulated a broader philosophical critique of the leadership approach he attributes to both Vijayan and Modi. "Leaders must understand that wisdom lies with the people, in the farmers, workers, people who run businesses, and the like. And the job of the leader is to understand this wisdom and work with the people," he asserted, contrasting this collaborative vision with what he characterized as the top-down, exclusionary approach of his political opponents.
The Congress leader's comments represent a significant escalation in political rhetoric during the ongoing campaign season, directly challenging the self-presentation of both the LDF government in Kerala and the BJP-led central government while articulating an alternative vision of democratic leadership rooted in popular participation rather than personality cults.
