Antony vs Antony: Son, father in war of words as poll heat intensifies

BJP leader Anil Antony

“Very unfortunate to see a former defence minister supporting a party which has anti-India stand,” BJP leader Anil Antony told Moneycontrol on April 9 after his comments were sought on his father veteran Congress leader AK Antony’s statement earlier in the day.

Talking to mediapersons in Thiruvananthapuram, former defence minister AK Antony said Anil, who is the BJP’s candidate from Pathanamthitta parliamentary seat, should lose.

The 38-year-old, who joined the BJP on April 6, 2023, is up against sitting MP and Congress leader Anto Antony.

“I have immense respect for my father, but I really don’t appreciate his statement. He is standing with a party (Congress) whose leaders have insulted the sacrifice our jawans,” Anil told Moneycontrol over the phone from Pathanamthitta where he was canvassing.

“Instead of standing for national security and nation building, Congress leaders are always seen criticising our forces. And it’s unfortunate to see a former defence minister (my father) supporting that party.”

The former defence minister said the Congress and Rahul Gandhi were continuously fighting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP, and its ideological parent the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

Also Read: BJP prospects strong in Kerala; confident of Lok Sabha debut, says  Anil Antony

The Congress has always stood for vested interests and its leaders supported only one family, Anil said.

The Congress has been supporting radical elements and it was for everyone to see in Pathanamthitta where the sitting MP levelled serious allegations against the BJP, claiming the party secured victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by exploiting the sacrifices of jawans killed in the Pulwama attacks.

“My father needs to understand the gravity here. His party is giving clean chit to Pakistan with such statements,” Anil added.

He claimed that the sentiment in Kerala, where electoral success in the assembly as well as the Lok Sabha has eluded the party, is turning in favour of the BJP.