Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 15: With the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections fast approaching, the Congress high command is considering deploying Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to oversee the party’s campaign. The move comes amid growing concerns over factionalism and infighting within the state unit.
The proposal to appoint Priyanka Gandhi has been put forward by Deepa Dasmunsi, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in charge of Kerala. She has recommended that Priyanka lead a special committee to manage the Assembly election campaign and restore stability to the party’s fractured state leadership.
At a high-level meeting in Delhi last month, senior Congress leaders from Kerala and the party’s central leadership deliberated on internal conflicts and the way forward. Priyanka Gandhi was actively involved in the discussions, and Dasmunsi later held separate consultations with allies of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
One of the key concerns raised by UDF allies is the ongoing power struggle between prominent Congress leaders in Kerala, including Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president K. Sudhakaran, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, and senior legislator Ramesh Chennithala. These internal divisions have weakened the party’s image, raising concerns about its ability to mount a strong challenge in the upcoming elections.
A political analyst pointed out that while factionalism has historically plagued the Congress in Kerala, the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) has maintained a more disciplined and united front.
"Despite multiple allegations of corruption and governance failures, the CPI-M under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has displayed internal cohesion since 2016. Meanwhile, Congress continues to engage in public disputes, which alienates voters. If these conflicts persist, the party’s electoral prospects in 2026 will be significantly weakened," the analyst noted.
The first major test of Congress unity following the Delhi meeting will be the upcoming by-election in Nilambur, a seat that fell vacant after two-time Left-backed Independent legislator P.V. Anvar resigned following differences with Vijayan. Additionally, the local body elections later this year will serve as another critical indicator of the party’s strength ahead of the Assembly polls.
With mounting pressure to resolve infighting and present a unified front, the Congress high command is leaning towards appointing Priyanka Gandhi to spearhead the election strategy in Kerala. Her leadership is expected to bring much-needed discipline and direction to the party’s campaign, potentially revitalizing its chances in the 2026 elections.