Priyanka likely to lead Cong in Kerala polls amid internal strife

Thiruvananthapuram: With just a year left until Kerala gears up for the 2026 Assembly elections, the Congress high command is considering appointing Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to oversee the party's campaign.

This is after growing frustration over persistent internal conflicts within the Kerala unit of the Congress party.

Deepa Dasmunsi, AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala, has proposed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's appointment to oversee the Congress party's 2026 Kerala election campaign.

Dasmunsi has suggested that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra head a special committee to oversee the Kerala Assembly election campaign.

Top Congress leaders from Kerala and the party's national leadership convened in Delhi last month to address the state's internal concerns. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra played a key role in the discussions, and afterwards, Dasmunsi held private meetings with allies of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).

Dasmunsi has flagged concerns that power struggles involve KPCC president K. Sudhakaran, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, and senior legislator Ramesh Chennithala, causing unease among UDF allies.

A political observer noted that factionalism has long plagued the Congress party in the state, while the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) is united.

"Despite multiple scams and corruption allegations, the CPI-M, under Pinarayi Vijayan, has maintained public discipline since taking power in 2016. In contrast, Congress continues to air its internal disputes publicly, which alienates ordinary voters. If the party does not resolve these conflicts, its prospects in the upcoming elections will suffer," the observer said.

The Congress party's unity is about to face its first major test in the Nilambur Assembly constituency by-election. This seat became vacant after P.V. Anvar, a two-time Left-backed Independent legislator, resigned due to a fallout with Vijayan. The party will then face another challenge in the local body elections later this year, which will be a precursor to the crucial 2026 Assembly polls.

With growing pressure to curb infighting and present a united front, the Congress high command is likely to appoint Priyanka Gandhi to lead the election oversight committee, a move aimed at restoring order and improving the party's electoral chances in Kerala.

(inputs from IANS)