AK Antony wishes for defeat of son Anil Antony in Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha contest
In a surprising turn of events in Kerala’s political landscape, former Union Defence Minister AK Antony has publicly stated his opposition to his son Anil K Antony’s candidacy for the BJP in the Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha seat. The senior Antony, a stalwart of the Congress party, broke his silence to voice a strong message: his son should not win the election. Instead, he advocates for the Congress candidate, Anto Antony, to secure the seat with an absolute majority.
At 83, AK Antony, who also served as Kerala’s Chief Minister, expressed his concerns not just as a political leader but as a citizen committed to safeguarding the constitution and the idea of India. Despite health issues, he felt compelled to make his stance clear, describing the current electoral contest as a critical “do-or-die battle.”
“For me, family and politics are different. This stance isn’t new; I have maintained it since my days in KSU,” AK Antony stated, underscoring his lifelong dedication to Congress’s ideals. His statement, “The Congress is my religion,” resonated as a reaffirmation of his unwavering commitment to the party’s principles, despite his son’s political choices.
Anil Antony’s response highlighted the generational and ideological rifts within political families, as he criticized the Congress for clinging to what he perceives as outdated leadership. Anil remains confident about his victory in Pathanamthitta, despite his father’s opposition.
This intra-family political divide comes at a time when Congress is trying to consolidate its position in Kerala, especially after the defection of Anil and other notable figures to the BJP. Allegations have surfaced suggesting AK Antony’s tacit approval of his son’s move to the BJP, further complicating the political narrative in Kerala.
In a poignant critique of the current political scenario, AK Antony targeted both the BJP and the Left Front government in Kerala, urging the electorate to support Congress as a means to “reinvent” India and protect the spirit of the Indian Constitution. He predicted a dismal performance for the BJP in the upcoming elections, citing a lack of factors favoring the party this year.
AK Antony’s call to action is a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in defending democratic values and the constitution in today’s political climate.
He urged the people to vote for Congress to prevent any potential sabotage of India’s democracy under BJP’s rule, highlighting the importance of the upcoming election in determining the country’s future.
AK Antony’s unprecedented move to oppose his son’s political ambitions in favor of his lifelong commitment to the Congress party underscores the deep ideological divides that can exist even within political families. This development not only has implications for the Antony family but also signals a crucial moment for Kerala’s political dynamics, potentially influencing voter sentiment and the broader discourse on democracy and constitutional integrity in India.