In a recent statement, senior Congress leader Manishankar Aiyar has indicated that he is willing to retract his previous remarks about Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, but only under specific conditions. He has demanded that the Congress party commit to making V.D. Satheesan the next Chief Minister of Kerala. This announcement comes as the Congress party attempts to regain a foothold in Kerala politics where they have been struggling against the ruling Left government. Aiyar's comments suggest a significant level of frustration within the Congress party regarding their prospects in the upcoming elections.

Moreover, Aiyar did not shy away from criticizing other Congress leaders, notably Shashi Tharoor. He accused Tharoor of being excessively self-serving and career-focused, implying that Tharoor's ambitions may undermine the party's collective efforts. This internal discord highlights the challenges the Congress party faces not just from external political opponents but also from within its ranks as it seeks to realign its strategies and leadership ahead of future elections.

The implications of Aiyar's statement are multifaceted. On one hand, it could potentially re-energize discussions within the Congress about leadership and strategy in Kerala, but it also raises questions about the party's unity and resolve. As they approach the next elections, the Congress will need to address these internal divisions and clearly define their vision for Kerala to effectively challenge the incumbent government led by Vijayan.