CPI, CPM slam Revanth over Modi–Vijayan remark

Hyderabad: Telangana CPI and CPM leaders criticised Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for equating Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, calling the remarks politically harmful and factually misleading.

CPI State Secretary Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao stated that such comments, made merely for electioneering in Kerala, inadvertently benefit the BJP and undermine the INDI Alliance nationwide. Sambasiva Rao emphasised that while highlighting government shortcomings is acceptable in campaigns, resorting to character assassination of leaders from other states is inappropriate.

Telangana CPM State Secretary John Wesley described Revanth Reddy’s statements as “delirious” and likened him to an ‘Aparichithudu’ (stranger/unfamiliar), pointing out the contradictions in his remarks. Wesley recalled that Revanth Reddy previously referred to Modi as his “big brother” but now compares Modi and Vijayan, while urging Kerala voters to support the UDF.

The CPM leader also highlighted Kerala’s achievements under the LDF government, contrasting them with Telangana’s performance under Congress. He noted that Kerala allocates 24% of its budget to education, provides free healthcare, ensures employment, and implements effective welfare schemes.

By contrast, he said, Telangana lags in filling vacancies, providing financial support for women Rs 2,500, agricultural labourers Rs12,000 and tenant farmers Rs 15,000 and delivering housing and social benefits to the poor. Wesley urged the people of Kerala to recognise the state’s progressive policies and stand by the LDF in the ongoing elections. He praised Kerala for its communal harmony, social justice, robust welfare schemes, and educational achievements, asserting that voters should teach a “befitting lesson” to the Congress-led UDF for failing to prioritise the welfare of citizens.

Both CPI and CPM leaders expressed strong condemnation of Revanth Reddy’s statements, asserting that they misrepresent the situation in Kerala and serve political interests at the expense of factual accuracy.