Senior Congress leader AK Antony publicly criticised his son, Anil Antony, for deciding to contest as a BJP candidate for the Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha seat. Speaking at a press conference, AK Antony stated that his son should lose and not win. He emphasised the importance of keeping family and politics separate while reiterating his allegiance to the Congress party. When questioned about Congress leaders’ children joining the BJP, Antony expressed his disapproval, calling it wrong and stating that he hasn’t learned that language. In response to his father’s remarks, Anil Antony expressed his disappointment and mentioned his differences with his father’s political stand. Anil highlighted his respect for his father but mentioned being hurt by his father’s support for an anti-national MP who insulted the Army and whitewashed the terrorist activities of Pakistan.