Congress Leadership Tussle: Internal Power Struggle Intensifies in 2026 The Kerala Congress party is engulfed in a fierce internal battle over the selection of a candidate for the Chief Minister post ahead of the 2026 state assembly elections. Senior leaders, including K. Sudhakaran, KC Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala, are locked in a high-stakes rivalry, with tensions escalating as the election date approaches. The conflict, described as a "cyber war" among factions, has drawn sharp criticism from party elders who warn against public factionalism before the results are announced. Sudhakaran, who initially supported Ramesh Chennithala for the post, recently shifted his stance, publicly endorsing KC Venugopal. This move has intensified the rivalry, with Venugopal’s allies, including A.P. Anil Kumar, seeking support from Muslim League leaders to bolster his candidacy. While the party leadership has denied any external influence, the visit by Anil Kumar to Panakad to meet Muslim League figures has raised questions about the extent of factional maneuvering. Venugopal has also emphasized the need for the party to maintain a unified front, stating that decisions on leadership should be made through internal channels rather than public debates. However, Chennithala and his supporters have rejected this approach, arguing that senior leaders should express their views openly. The party’s national president, Sunny Joseph, has called for restraint, warning that premature public disputes could undermine the party’s credibility. The rivalry has spilled into social media, with prominent candidates like V.S. Shivakumar, Roji M. John, and Madhu Puzhakulam openly supporting Venugopal.#k_sudhakaran #ramesh_chennithala #sunny_joseph #kerala_congress_party #kc_venugopal
Kerala Elections 2026 | Congress Confident of Gains in Left Strongholds: "Will Win Over 100 Seats" Kerala Congress President Sunny Joseph has expressed confidence in the United Democratic Front's (UDF) performance in the upcoming assembly elections, predicting the alliance will secure more than 100 seats. Speaking to NDTV, Joseph highlighted the potential for a strong showing in Left-leaning constituencies, particularly in the Left stronghold of Kannur. He pointed to recent trends in local body and parliamentary elections as indicators of growing public discontent with the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. Joseph emphasized that issues such as governance and development have fueled dissatisfaction, which could influence the election outcome. He also underscored the Congress party's secular appeal, which he argued transcends community divisions. Joseph noted that the leadership of the next government will be determined by the party's high command following the results. Despite this, the UDF remains focused on expanding its influence in traditional Left strongholds across northern Kerala. The UDF's strategy includes targeting areas where the Left has historically held sway, aiming to capitalize on perceived weaknesses in the LDF's governance. Joseph's comments reflect broader optimism within the UDF about its prospects, though the final results will depend on voter behavior and the effectiveness of campaign messaging. The election is expected to be a pivotal moment for Kerala's political landscape, with the UDF and LDF vying for dominance. The outcome could reshape the state's governance and policy priorities, particularly in sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.#united_democratic_front #kannur #left_democratic_front #kerala_elections_2026 #sunny_joseph
