Delhi: Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar on Sunday expressed confidence that Pinarayi Vijayan is likely to continue as Kerala’s Chief Minister, comments that have sparked debate within the party.
Aiyar made the statement while speaking at the international seminar “Vision 2031: Development and Democracy”, inaugurated by Vijayan, which focused on governance, decentralisation, and strengthening local self-government.
“In the presence of the chief minister — who I am sure will be the next chief minister — I renew my plea that Kerala should consolidate its position as the leading panchayati raj state through legal reforms, informed by practical experience, Thomas Isaac’s insights, and the five-volume report I chaired,” Aiyar said. He also referred to V K Ramachandran’s district planning note circulated by the Planning Commission as a model for effective decentralisation.
Congress leader Udit Raj quickly dismissed Aiyar’s remarks, pointing out that he is no longer a member of the party.
“Who is Mani Shankar Aiyar? I know he was once a senior and respected leader, but his comments on Congress are irrelevant today. He is not a congressman and holds no position,” Raj said.
