Synopsis
The Congress party in Kerala is facing internal strife as it prepares for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections. AICC general secretary Deepa Das Munshi met with state leaders to discuss the party's challenges, amid criticisms aimed at key figures and attacks from rival parties.Key Takeaways
- Internal conflict within Congress leadership in Kerala.
- Criticism of V.D. Satheesan while K. Sudhakaran remains unchallenged.
- Future of Chief Ministerial candidate is a contentious issue.
- Party denies claims of discord and affirms high command control.
- New guidelines for social media conduct among party members.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 20 (NationPress) Following a tumultuous session of the Kerala Congress Political Affairs Committee, AICC general secretary overseeing Kerala, Deepa Das Munshi, conducted a private discussion with the state's top leaders on Monday to gather insights about the party's current status.
Reports indicate that during the Political Affairs Committee meeting held on Sunday, Kerala's Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan faced criticism, while surprisingly, K. Sudhakaran, the state party president, was not challenged by fellow party members.
Satheesan and Sudhakaran have maintained a strained relationship since taking the helm of the party's state unit.
In the meantime, the CPI-M-led Left and the BJP seize every chance to attack the Congress party and its leadership within the state.
“The era of division among two dominant leaders like Karunakaran-Antony and Oommen Chandy-Ramesh Chennithala has passed. Presently, there is Chennithala and the increasingly influential K.C. Venugopal, who has strong ties to the party's high command,” noted an analyst.
He further remarked that disputes within the party have ignited regarding the Chief Ministerial candidate for the impending 2026 Assembly elections. Public disputes among party leaders are sending negative signals to the electorate.
On Monday, the state party unit released an official statement reflecting the outcomes of Sunday’s Political Affairs Committee meeting.
The party has accused the Left and certain media outlets of disseminating misleading narratives about its internal conflicts and the question of a Chief Ministerial candidate should Congress regain power in the 2026 state elections.
“All claims regarding internal discord are baseless. It is the party high command that ultimately decides on the Chief Minister, and this decision will be made at the right moment,” stated the party's announcement.
Congress has also chosen to implement guidelines for party members and supporters defending the party across various social media platforms.
“Once the social media usage guidelines are released, any violations will be met with strict repercussions,” the party asserted.
Meanwhile, Munshi plans to deliver a comprehensive report to the party's high command following her discussions with the state's leading figures.
Local body elections are slated for later this year, to be closely followed by the Assembly elections.
It remains uncertain whether the party’s high command will alter the existing leadership in the state or continue into both elections with the current team.
