‘Rogue State, Act of Terrorism’: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Goes Ballistic At US Over Venezuela Operation

Last Updated:January 04, 2026, 05:22 IST

Vijayan warned that such 'blatant imperialist aggression' poses a grave threat to global peace and the tranquillity of Latin America

Vijayan argued that the assault reveals a 'vicious operation' aimed at imposing 'devious schemes' upon the Global South. (File photo/PTI)

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday issued a strong condemnation of the United States’ military operation against Venezuela. Labelling the pre-dawn strikes on various “strategic centres" in Caracas as an act of terrorism, the Chief Minister accused the US of behaving like a “rogue state" and warned that such “blatant imperialist aggression" poses a grave threat to global peace and the tranquillity of Latin America.

Through a post on his official social media account, Vijayan argued that the assault reveals a “vicious operation" aimed at imposing “devious schemes" upon the Global South. He drew upon the historical context of Latin America, describing it as a continent with a “legacy of enduring such onslaughts" and a storied history of anti-imperialist struggles. By framing the American intervention as a modern-day manifestation of colonial-style bullying, the Chief Minister called for international unity to resist moves that undermine the sovereignty of independent nations.

The Chief Minister’s remarks follow the dramatic events of Saturday morning, when US President Donald Trump confirmed that American special forces had successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a series of precision strikes. The operation, which targeted military hubs like Fort Tiuna, has resulted in the rendition of the Venezuelan leadership to face narcoterrorism charges in a New York federal court. While Washington has justified the move as a necessary action against a “criminal narco-state", Left leaders in India have rejected this narrative, viewing it instead as a resource-driven regime-change operation.

The Kerala Chief Minister’s statement aligns with the broader stance of the CPI(M) politburo, which has demanded the immediate withdrawal of US troops from the Caribbean Sea. Other prominent Left leaders, including MA Baby and MV Govindan, have further criticised the Union Government of India for its “shameful silence" on the matter. They pointed out that India and Venezuela share significant ties through the Solar Alliance and energy cooperation via ONGC Videsh, arguing that New Delhi’s lack of condemnation is a departure from its traditional anti-imperialist principles.

As the CPI(M) calls for nationwide protests against the “kidnapping" of a sovereign head of state, the political fallout in Kerala highlights the deep ideological divide regarding American military interventionism. Vijayan concluded his message by urging “all should rise in unity" to call out the assault, asserting that the right of a nation to choose its own path must be defended against external militaristic aggression.

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