Ravi’s comments have jolted Congress circles, highlighting the party’s widening disconnect with grassroots voters, poor outreach efforts, and persistent factionalism, deepening concerns about its electoral preparedness
Published Jul 26, 2025 | 4:59 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 26, 2025 | 6:21 PM
Leaked audio sparks crisis in Kerala Congress, exposes internal dissent
Synopsis: A leaked audio allegedly featuring Kerala Congress leader Palode Ravi has sparked internal turmoil, with the DCC president predicting a third-place finish for the party and warning of organisational disarray. His blunt remarks on voter disconnect, factionalism, and the rise of CPI(M) and BJP challenge the KPCC’s optimistic election narrative and are expected to trigger serious introspection within party ranks.
A leaked audio purportedly featuring Thiruvananthapuram District Congress Committee (DCC) president Palode Ravi has thrown the Kerala unit of the Congress party into turmoil, revealing deep-rooted concerns about the party’s future ahead of crucial local body and Assembly elections.
In the viral audio, Ravi voices bleak predictions about the party’s electoral performance, warning that the Congress may slip to third place behind the CPI(M) and BJP. “The Marxist party will return to power for the third time. The BJP will gain in 60 constituencies,” he is heard saying in a conversation with a local party leader.
Ravi’s remarks have sent shockwaves through Congress ranks, with the audio drawing attention to the party’s perceived disconnect with grassroots voters, lack of sustained outreach, and continued factionalism. “Each group is destroying this party. No one has a genuine bond with the other,” he says, warning that the Congress could become “a product no one wants to pick” post elections.
The audio leak is politically significant, as it directly contradicts the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee’s (KPCC) official line that anti-incumbency against the Left and a weak BJP would benefit Congress in the upcoming polls.
Ravi’s criticism touches on a key weakness — the erosion of grassroots connect. “There should be a connection with every household in a ward… Going around sticking notices during elections won’t work. People must be heard,” he asserts in the clip.
While the Congress leadership has not issued an official response, party insiders confirm that the development is being viewed seriously. A section of the cadre is also reportedly concerned about the timing of the leak and its potential fallout.
Political analysts believe the audio could trigger a deeper introspection within the party, potentially forcing a rethink on strategy, leadership dynamics, and organisational cohesion. Whether Ravi’s comments serve as a wake-up call or deepen existing fissures remains to be seen.
As the leaked audio clip triggers discussions, District Congress Committee president Palode Ravi downplayed it saying it was merely a cautionary message to a party worker.
Speaking to the media, Ravi said the Congress must remain vigilant in the face of a close three-way contest and should not allow internal differences to affect its prospects.
“What I conveyed was the need for unity within the party. We cannot afford to be complacent,” he said.
Ravi criticised the leak of a private conversation but said he was unfazed by the development. “I’m a senior leader in the Congress. This won’t rattle me. The party leadership will decide on the matter,” he added.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
