Thiruvananthapuram: The days unfolding in Kerala are exposing the internal weaknesses of the Congress, even as the party continues to claim unity and dreams of capturing power in the state. The situation intensified after the Central Election Committee decided not to allot the Kannur seat, placing both the high command and the Kerala unit of the Congress under severe strain, primarily due to the actions of former KPCC president K. Sudhakaran. The current indications suggest that this uncertainty will persist until the final date for filing nominations. Former KPCC president K. Sudhakaran, UDF convener Adoor Prakash, Perumbavoor MLA Eldhose Kunnappilly, and KSU state president Aloshy Xavier have all contributed to mounting pressure on the party’s state and central leadership. As factionalism deepens within the Congress, a series of resignations and internal conflicts has begun to unfold. At a time when the party is engaged in a cold war over the chief ministerial position, Kerala finds itself witnessing a confused and unsettled Congress during the election season.
Sudhakaran row triggers open conflict in Kannur district
The question of K. Sudhakaran’s candidature has triggered open infighting within the Kannur Congress. A section of party workers staged a protest at the district committee office (DCC) in his support, which was challenged by another faction, leading to clashes and physical scuffles. As tensions escalated into disorder, media personnel were prevented from entering the DCC office. With both factions gathering at the premises, the situation remained tense for a prolonged period.
During a meeting of DCC and constituency office-bearers, opinions were sharply divided both in favour of and against Sudhakaran. Out of ten constituencies, office-bearers from seven opposed his candidature, while a minority supported it. One section argued that if Sudhakaran were to win the Assembly election, the resulting Lok Sabha by-election would be a burden the party could not manage. KPCC and DCC leaders have responded cautiously, adopting a position aimed at not antagonising Sudhakaran.
Even if Sudhakaran had been declared the official candidate of the Congress, it was almost certain that a section of the party would have sabotaged him. Now, with the high command considering replacing him with T.O. Mohanan, the leadership fears that internal sabotage may still persist. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan and former Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala stated that the final decision rests with the high command. Meanwhile, both the NDA and the LDF have already surged far ahead in their campaigns with declared candidates.
Adoor Prakash withdraws stand, intensifies pressure
UDF convener Adoor Prakash, who had earlier announced on Facebook that he would not contest in deference to the high command’s decision denying sitting MPs Assembly tickets, withdrew his post and intensified pressure for the Konni seat in Pathanamthitta district. This reversal came amid reports that the high command was attempting to pacify K. Sudhakaran, who had shown willingness to leave the party if denied a ticket.
V.D. Satheesan had strongly insisted that MPs should not be fielded, partly to prevent multiple leaders from staking claim to the chief minister’s post. His firm stance was also influenced by the possibility that AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal might contest from Alappuzha district and emerge as a strong contender for the chief ministership, given his proximity to Rahul Gandhi. Even if Venugopal does not contest, there remains a possibility that the high command could project him as chief minister if the UDF secures a majority.
Adoor Prakash, however, is believed to be calculating that if conflicts intensify among Venugopal, Satheesan, Sudhakaran, and Ramesh Chennithala, a compromise formula could elevate him to the chief minister’s position. This possibility was reportedly curtailed early by Satheesan.
Eldhose Kunnappilly’s demands and warning
Perumbavoor sitting MLA Eldhose Kunnappilly was denied a ticket due to a sexual allegation case. Despite reaching Delhi and briefing senior leaders, the party was unwilling to take a risk, especially with the case scheduled for consideration on March 26.
In response, Eldhose has raised fresh demands, including the post of DCC president if denied candidature. He has also openly stated that he should be considered for either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. Failing this, he has warned that he would contest as an independent in the upcoming election. His supporters have already staged protests at various centres in the constituency in his favour.
Aloshy Xavier’s resignation drama
In another unexpected development, Kerala Students Union ( KSU) state president Aloshy Xavier resigned in protest against being denied a ticket. Though he was considered for constituencies such as Idukki, Poonjar, and Peerumedu, he was ultimately not included anywhere. The situation was defused after K.C. Venugopal personally intervened and persuaded him to withdraw his resignation. While he has reportedly been assured a seat, there is still no clarity on where he will be fielded.
Internal rift set to continue beyond elections
With multiple leaders exerting pressure, withdrawing statements, issuing demands, and threatening rebellion, the Congress in Kerala is facing a deepening crisis. The leadership’s attempt to balance factions without alienating key figures has only deepened uncertainty.
As rival alliances continue to advance steadily with their campaigns, the Congress leadership under Rahul Gandhi remains entangled in internal disputes, struggling to project unity or clarity. The unfolding developments suggest that the party’s internal contradictions are unlikely to end with the nomination deadline and may continue to shape its trajectory even after the elections.
If the Congress-led UDF were to secure victory, a fresh round of internal contestation is expected over the chief ministerial post. Key contenders include Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan , Ex-KPCC president and MP K. Sudhakaran, former Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala, and AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal. Differences among these leaders could trigger prolonged negotiations or factional bargaining within the party.
At the same time, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a major ally within the UDF, is likely to push strongly for the Deputy Chief Minister’s position along with key ministerial portfolios. The party is also expected to exert pressure on the Congress leadership to accommodate its political priorities and policy positions in any future government formation. Taken together, these factors indicate that even in the event of an electoral victory, the Congress may continue to face internal power struggles and alliance pressures, potentially complicating governance and decision-making in the state.
