Aiyar predicts 3rd term for Vijayan, Cong rejects his remarks

The Congress on Sunday distanced itself from Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks that Pinarayi Vijayan will continue as the chief minister of Kerala, saying the veteran leader has had no connection whatsoever with the party for the last few years and he speaks and writes purely in his personal capacity. The grand old party also asserted that the people of Kerala will bring the United Democratic Front (UDF) back in power in the southern state for more responsible and responsive governance. Ahead of the Kerala Assembly polls, Aiyar expressed confidence on Sunday that Vijayan of the Communist Party of India ((Marxist) will continue to be the state's chief minister. Pawan Khera and Jairam Ramesh, reacted to his remarks. Khera said, “Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar has had no connection whatsoever with the Congress for the past few years. He speaks and writes purely in his personal capacity.” Ramesh asserted that Kerala would bring the Congress-led UDF back to power by removing the Left Front.
Speaking at an international seminar titled "Vision 2031: Development and Democracy", which was inaugurated by Vijayan, Aiyar said necessary amendments should be introduced to legally secure Kerala's top position in the panchayati raj system and offered suggestions for it. Aiyar has now predicted a third term for Vijayan.  Applauding Kerala as the country's leader in Panchayati Raj at an event that was also attended by Vijayan, he said, "So, in the presence of the Chief Minister, who I am confident will continue in office, I renew my plea: to reinforce Kerala as the best Panchayati Raj state in the country, state law should be amended based on practical experience." 
Aiyar had earlier embarrassed the Congress multiple times by deviating from the party line. The key occasions include his derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his comment that China had "allegedly invaded" India in 1962 in May 2024. He had apologised after intense criticism.