CM vs CM: Pinarayi-Revanth slugfest on last campaign day

KANNUR/T'PURAM/KOTTAYAM: Political rhetoric across state lines has intensified this election, with a sharp exchange of words taking place between Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his Telangana counterpart Revanth Reddy on the last day of campaigning for the April 9 elections.

At a news conference in Kannur on Tuesday, while responding to a query over Reddy's earlier remarks targeting him, Vijayan said a CM must maintain the basic standards of conduct. "Such language is inappropriate for a CM. However, he made the allegations in public; hence, I will also respond publicly," he said.




The Kerala CM then retorted, "At this time, my response is 'Dash... Mone Revantha'; the reply to you is coming soon."

Vijayan's jibe, which triggered widespread criticism for being derogatory, was in response to Reddy's words, "Nee Po Mone Vijaya" (Go away, Vijaya) - invoking a dialogue by actor Mohanlal's character from the 2000 movie 'Narasimham' - while speaking at a UDF roadshow in Nemom constituency of Thiruvananthapuram on April 2. Reddy had said Vijayan's "time is over" and "his expiry date has passed".

Responding to Vijayan's barb, the Telangana CM likened him to PM Narendra Modi and repeated his comment, "Nee Po Mone Vijaya". Speaking at an election rally at Pathanapuram, Reddy said though he respected Vijayan as a senior and an experienced politician, he couldn't respect his 'devil's rule' in Kerala.

"Today he abused me. I don't mind that, as he is an elderly person. I will take his abuses as blessings," said Reddy. "But he cannot abuse the people of Kerala or power. He cannot become subservient to Modi," he added.

"One Modi sits in New Delhi and another in Thiruvananthapuram," Reddy remarked, alleging that Vijayan had the support of BJP and communal forces.

During a poll meet of the UDF candidate in Mavelikkara, Reddy reiterated his remarks against Vijayan.

Later, in an apparent attempt to dial down the acrimony, Vijayan posted on X a letter addressed to "Dear Shri Revanth Reddy", outlining Kerala's development achievements in detail. The letter concluded with a message asserting the state's continued progress through the vision of 'New Kerala'.