Any decision on the Congress’s chief ministerial candidate will inevitably depend on the dynamics within the United Democratic Front, particularly the Indian Union Muslim League, the Congress’s principal ally.
Published Dec 12, 2024 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 12, 2024 | 9:00 AM
Congress state leadership (source : INC FB page)
The Congress in Kerala is navigating uncharted waters as it gears up for the 2026 Assembly elections.
With the shadows of two political titans—Oommen Chandy and AK Antony—fading from the state’s political landscape, a leadership vacuum has emerged within the party, and it finds itself at a critical juncture.
This has triggered an ongoing churn, with a new generation of leaders vying to assert themselves in preparation for a leadership overhaul.
But the question looms large: Can the emerging crop of leaders rise to the occasion and present a cohesive front against the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the next Assembly polls?
The demise of Chandy, one of Kerala’s most beloved politicians, in July 2023, has left a void in the Congress.
Oommen Chandy. (Creative Commons)
Known for his unmatched ability to connect with grassroots and coalition partners and various caste/religion organisations, Chandy was the glue that held the party’s rank and files together during challenging times.
Antony, now retired from state politics, further accentuates the sense of loss.
The absence of these stalwarts is said to have disrupted the Congress’s internal equilibrium.
Currently, the party’s key leaders include Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President K Sudhakaran, Leader of the Opposition (LoP) VD Satheesan, former LoP Ramesh Chennithala, and senior leader K Muraleedharan.
While these leaders are actively engaged in state politics, there is speculation about national-level leaders like KC Venugopal and Kodikkunil Suresh potentially stepping into state politics as the elections approach.
K Sudhakaran is flanked by UDF convener MM Hassan (left), Opposition Leader VD Satheesan and AICC general secretary KC Venugopal (right). (KB Jayachandran/South First)
Names like Benny Behnan, Anto Antony, Adoor Prakash, and MK Raghavan could emerge as key players in state politics as the Assembly polls draw near.
A new name gaining traction in internal discussions is Sunny Joseph, the MLA from Peravoor.
With organisational restructuring on the cards, including potential changes at the helm of KPCC, Joseph is seen as a possible contender for the KPCC president’s post.
What works in his favour is the Church’s favorable stance towards him, which could prove to be a decisive factor. The Congress might seriously consider this option, as elevating a leader from the Christian community to the president’s post could resonate strongly with voters from that section, potentially consolidating their support ahead of the elections.
Such speculation reflects a broader push within the Congress for a generational shift and a renewed focus on regional leadership.
However, tensions between Sudhakaran and Satheesan have created ripples within the party. Satheesan has emerged as a dominant voice, often sidelining Sudhakaran.
While some in the party are calling for Sudhakaran’s replacement due to health concerns, his popularity among certain factions and grassroots workers ensures that any such move will be met with resistance.
Though currently not in the limelight, seasoned leaders like Mullapally Ramachandran and VM Sudheeran might have strategic moves up their sleeves as the Assembly polls draw closer.
The race for the chief ministerial candidate is already fueling speculation.
Satheesan during an IUML function
Satheesan, as the current LoP, is seen as a frontrunner, given the Congress’ historical precedent of elevating LoPs to the chief minister’s post.
Leaders like K Karunakaran, AK Antony, and Oommen Chandy have all followed this trajectory.
However, the KPCC presidency has also been a stepping stone for chief minister aspirants, making Sudhakaran a potential contender.
Ramesh Chennithala, with his extensive experience in the administrative and organisational spheres, remains in the reckoning, and Muraleedharan, the son of former chief minister K Karunakaran, could be a dark horse.
Venugopal, a confidant of Rahul Gandhi and a key decision-maker in the All India Congress Committee (AICC) is another name to watch.
Though currently focused on national politics, Venugopal’s proximity to the party’s high command makes him a potential wildcard entry into state politics.
Similarly, Kodikkunil Suresh, with his Dalit identity, could position himself as a viable candidate, particularly in a coalition scenario where caste and community considerations play a critical role.
While the party appears to be rallying behind Satheesan for now, internal rivalries and factionalism remain challenges.
“Satheesan has undoubtedly emerged as a prominent face within the party,” remarked a Mandalam Committee president.
“However, his rise comes with challenges. Within the party and among coalition partners, he’s not widely accepted. Satheesan is known to be inflexible and difficult to work with,” he told South First.
“Yet, his track record in electoral politics speaks volumes—leading successful campaigns in Thrikkakara, Puthuppally, Palakkad Assembly bypolls, Lok Sabha elections including Wayanad byelection and even showing a strong performance in the Chelakkara byelection despite the setback,” he further stated.
“The real hurdle for him is his lack of rapport with influential groups like the NSS and church leadership and even with IUML, which could weigh against him in the long run,” he added.
Another party leader said it was too early to talk about chief ministerial candidates. “In politics, anything can happen at any time. Congress is no exception; there may be surprise entries and dark horses,” he told South First.
“A leader isn’t just someone who delivers fiery speeches in the Assembly,” remarked a Left leader to South First, taking a dig at Satheesan.
“True leadership is about inspiring people, uniting them under a vision, and even winning over opponents to your side. Right now, the Congress lacks such a towering figure. Instead, we see a crowd of self-proclaimed leaders, each vying for attention,” he said.
“Satheesan, for all his rhetoric, doesn’t possess the depth or charisma to steer the party through challenges. As the Assembly polls approach, internal rifts are bound to intensify, leaving the Congress weaker and more fragmented than ever,” he added.
Meanwhile, any decision on the Congress’s chief ministerial candidate will inevitably depend on the dynamics within the United Democratic Front (UDF), particularly the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the Congress’s principal ally.
The IUML has traditionally played a significant role in shaping Congress’s leadership choices, and its backing will be critical for any aspirant.
Additionally, the Congress’s choice will need to take into account Kerala’s complex socio-political landscape, including caste and community representation.
Support from influential Christian denominations will also be crucial, given their historical sway over Kerala’s electoral politics.
The Congress is currently heading for organisational restructuring, with discussions focusing on leadership changes ahead of the upcoming local body elections.
The outcome of this process will likely provide greater clarity on the party’s strategy and leadership lineup as it approaches the Assembly polls.
The next two years will be critical for Congress to address these internal challenges, rebuild its organisational strength, and present a united front to the electorate.
The party’s ability to do so will determine not only its chances in the 2026 Assembly polls but also its long-term relevance in Kerala’s political landscape.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
