Tensions have arisen within the I.N.D.I.A bloc again as partners Congress and the Left found themselves at odds, this time concerning the absence of Congress and its ally IUML's party flags. While CPI (M) alleged that Congress's failure to display their flag suggests fear of BJP and Sangh Parivar influence, Congress countered it with accusations of an 'unholy' nexus between Kerala CM and BJP leaders. Congress leader and Kerala LoP, VD Sathesaan, criticized Union Minister Smriti Irani's accusation that Congress is concealing its ties with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) nationwide. He also expressed surprise at the similarity in tone between Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Smriti Irani.
Congress leader and LoP Kerala VD Sathesaan said, "Union Minister Smriti Irani has made a statement that Congress is trying to hide the relation b/w Indian Union Muslim League & Congress at all India level. It's a shameful statement. Congress has been in alliance with IUML for the last 40 years. IUML is a member of the INDIA front."
"It is a surprise that CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Minister Smriti Irani are making statements in the same tone. There is an unholy nexus between Kerala CM and BJP leaders. The central agencies are investigating many things in Kerala, including members of the CM's family and also the CM. The CM under the fear that the probe agencies will penetrate into the corruption cases is trying to appease BJP leaders," he said.
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