Kerala Chief Minister and senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Pinarayi Vijayan has launched a sharp critique against the Government of India for its perceived silence on recent events in Venezuela. The CM accused the centre of failing to criticise the United States for its reported involvement in the invasion of the South American nation.
Vijayan's Strong Condemnation of US Action
In a statement that has stirred political discourse, Pinarayi Vijayan labelled the reported military incursion into Venezuela as an act of 'barbarism and hooliganism'. He expressed grave concern over the alleged capture of the country's President and his wife, framing it as a severe violation of international sovereignty. The Kerala leader's remarks, made on 04 January 2026, directly challenge the diplomatic posture of the Narendra Modi-led central government.
Centre's Stance Under Scrutiny
The core of Vijayan's attack rests on the Indian central government's reluctance to openly condemn the United States. This position, according to the CPM stalwart, marks a significant departure from India's traditional foreign policy principles which have historically emphasised respect for national sovereignty and non-interference. Vijayan implied that the silence could be interpreted as tacit approval or strategic alignment, a move he finds contradictory to India's stated values on the global stage.
The criticism brings into focus the complex dynamics of India's foreign relations, where strategic partnerships with powers like the US must often be balanced with commitments to multilateralism and the rights of sovereign states. Vijayan's statement suggests a belief that the current administration is tilting this balance unfavourably.
Political Repercussions and National Debate
This vocal criticism from a prominent Left leader and the head of a major Indian state is likely to fuel a broader national debate on India's foreign policy direction. It underscores the ongoing political tensions between the opposition-ruled state of Kerala and the BJP-led central government, extending their domestic disagreements into the realm of international affairs.
By taking this stand, Pinarayi Vijayan has positioned himself and his party as vocal critics of what they perceive as a compromising stance by New Delhi. The episode highlights how international events can quickly become flashpoints in India's domestic politics, with opposition parties using them to question the government's ideological and policy consistency.
As of now, the Union government has not issued an official public response to the Kerala Chief Minister's specific allegations regarding its stance on the Venezuela situation. The development continues to be monitored closely by political observers across the country.
