With a year left until Kerala's 2026 Assembly elections, the Congress high command is considering Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to oversee the party’s campaign.
The decision follows growing frustration over internal conflicts within the Kerala Congress unit.
Deepa Dasmunsi, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary for Kerala, has proposed Priyanka’s appointment. She has recommended that Priyanka lead a special committee to manage the election campaign.
A high-level meeting was held in Delhi last month. Senior Congress leaders from Kerala and top party figures discussed the state's internal issues. Priyanka played an active role in the discussions. Following the meeting, Dasmunsi held talks with Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) allies.
Also read: Priyanka in Wayanad, slams BJP for undermining India's democracy
Dasmunsi has conveyed concerns from UDF allies about the infighting among senior Kerala Congress leaders.
The tensions involve Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president and MP K. Sudhakaran, Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan, and senior legislator Ramesh Chennithala.
A political observer noted that factionalism has long troubled the Congress in Kerala, while the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) remains united.
"Despite corruption allegations and scams, the CPI-M under Pinarayi Vijayan has maintained public discipline since 2016. Congress, however, continues to air its internal disputes, pushing voters away.
If it does not resolve these conflicts, it will struggle in the upcoming elections," the observer said.
The first test of Congress' unity after the Delhi meeting will be the Nilambur Assembly by-election. The seat fell vacant after two-time Left-backed Independent MLA PV Anvar resigned following a dispute with Vijayan. Later this year, the party will also face local body elections before the 2026 Assembly polls.
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