The Aryavarth Express:
Hyderabad, April 8: Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao on Wednesday described the ongoing political clash between Revanth Reddy and Pinarayi Vijayan as mere “shadow boxing,” alleging that both the Congress-led UDF and CPI(M)-led LDF are attempting to curb the BJP’s growth in Kerala ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Speaking to the media, Rao pointed out that in Telangana, the Congress is allied with Left parties such as CPI and CPI(M), suggesting a contradiction in its stance. He argued that despite sharp exchanges in Kerala, both alliances are indirectly benefiting each other politically.
“The Telangana Chief Minister has campaigned in Kerala and made several allegations against the BJP, claiming an understanding between BJP and LDF. However, the language used indicates this is nothing but shadow boxing. In Telangana, Congress and Left parties support each other, while in Kerala, their fight appears staged to stall BJP’s rise,” Rao said.
The remarks come amid a public spat between Revanth Reddy and Pinarayi Vijayan. The controversy began on April 3 when Reddy claimed that Kerala was nearing the end of a “dark era” and predicted a “golden era” under the United Democratic Front (UDF).
Responding a day later, Vijayan termed Reddy’s comments “disparaging” and “baseless,” advising him to focus on Telangana’s own challenges, including poverty and literacy.
Reddy defended his government by citing the NITI Aayog SDG Index 2023–24, stating that the data reflected the legacy of the previous BRS-BJP rule in Telangana.
The exchange escalated further when Reddy remarked that Vijayan’s “expiry date is over” and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was shielding him from legal troubles. Vijayan responded with a sharp retort, invoking the popular Malayalam phrase “Po Mone Dinesha,” implying dismissal of Reddy’s comments.
Kerala is set to vote on April 9 to elect 140 MLAs, with counting scheduled for May 4. While Vijayan seeks a historic third consecutive term, the Congress-led UDF is banking on anti-incumbency to return to power.
