Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the Congress party after all eight of its elected members in the Mattathur Grama Panchayat switched to the BJP, enabling the BJP to form the government. Vijayan stated this move demonstrates the Congress's willingness to align with the BJP, suggesting a broader adjustment between the two parties in Kerala. He characterized the defection as a political spectacle unusual for Kerala, implying a lack of conscience among Congress members regarding their party symbol change.