Tensions escalated on Tuesday as a verbal spar erupted between Anil Antony, the Bharatiya Janata Party's contender for Kerala's Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha constituency, and his father, A.K. Antony, a prominent Congress figure and former Defence Minister.
A.K. Antony, a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), confidently stated, "Anil will not emerge victorious." In a swift rejoinder, his son expressed pity for his father and asserted, "I will emerge triumphant."
The veteran politician made his remarks in the state capital, whereas his son took a break from his campaign to address the media within the Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha constituency.
Expressing disapproval of offspring of Congress leaders aligning with the BJP, A.K. Antony emphasized the distinction between politics and family, predicting defeat for Anil and victory for Anto Antony, the Congress candidate.
Preferring to abstain from campaigning due to health concerns, A.K. Antony remained resolute in his belief that Anto would secure a substantial victory margin even without his active involvement.
In a scathing attack on the BJP, A.K. Antony highlighted the party's diminished influence in Kerala since the fervor of the 2019 Sabarimala temple issue. He portrayed the upcoming polls as critical, framing them not merely as Assembly elections but as a decisive battle for India's future against the backdrop of alleged RSS manipulation and threats to constitutional principles under Modi's leadership.
In a countermove, Anil Antony staunchly rebuked the Congress and its leadership, expressing sympathy for his father while confidently asserting his own victory and predicting a significant defeat for Anto. He criticized certain Congress members as antiquated and accused them of prioritizing the interests of Rahul and Sonia Gandhi over the party's welfare, likening their actions to aimless barking akin to dogs gazing at the moon.
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