An audio clip from the INDIA bloc meeting held on June 8 has sparked a political controversy, with Left leaders accusing Gandhi of undermining alliance unity.

Rahul Gandhi's remark

In the audio speech, Gandhi is heard saying that while political parties in the alliance may work together at the national level, he cannot ignore the political battle between the Congress and the CPI(M) in Kerala.

"We have our fights, but if you are asking me to go and hug the ex-Chief Minister of Kerala, I cannot and I will not because I have an ongoing political fight with him," Gandhi is heard saying.

The Congress and the CPI(M) remain fierce political rivals in Kerala despite being allies under the INDIA bloc umbrella at the national level.

Pinarayi Vijayan responds

Reacting to the controversy, Vijayan said hugging has never been a norm in his interactions with Gandhi and that their meetings have typically been limited to greetings and handshakes.

"My objection is not the act of hugging itself. What concerns me is the political message behind the remarks. It reflects Rahul Gandhi's approach and how he perceives the INDIA alliance," Vijayan told reporters.

The veteran Left leader also recalled that visuals of him hugging Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 remain available online, suggesting that the issue was not about personal gestures.

CPM leaders criticise Gandhi

The CPI(M) responded sharply to Gandhi's comments, with party leaders questioning his commitment to Opposition unity.

CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby said no one had asked Gandhi to hug Vijayan, but urged him to stop demanding action against the Left leader.

Party MP John Brittas said the issue was not about a physical embrace but about maintaining the political integrity of the INDIA alliance.

Senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat was even more direct.

"We don't want any hugs from anybody. Communists don't need hugs. We need clear politics. Rahul Gandhi, keep your hugs to yourself. But as the LoP, please respect leaders of the opposition like Pinarayi Vijayan," she said.

BJP takes swipe at opposition alliance

The Bharatiya Janata Party seized on the controversy to target the Opposition bloc, calling the INDIA alliance an arrangement driven by political convenience rather than shared ideology.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the episode exposed deep divisions within the coalition.

"The INDIA alliance has only division and no mission. It is only on paper, but not in reality. Dal photo op ke liye mil sakte hai par dil nahi mil sakte hai (they may come together for photo opportunities, but they are never on the same page)," he said.

Questions over opposition unity

The latest exchange has once again highlighted the contradictions within the INDIA alliance, where parties that are political adversaries in several states are attempting to maintain a united front against the BJP at the national level.

With tensions between the Congress and the Left now out in the open, Gandhi's remarks have renewed questions about how effectively the Opposition alliance can navigate its internal differences ahead of future political battles.