Congress Faces Internal Turmoil Over Assembly Seats: Power-Hungry MPs Draw Criticism

Thiruvananthapuram: In Kerala, Congress is witnessing intense internal protests as several MPs, including senior and junior leaders, seek permission from the high command to contest Assembly elections, regardless of prior commitments or local considerations. Plans for Shafi Parambil, who recently won from Vadakara, to contest the Assembly triggered widespread debate, while other leaders such as K Sudhakaran, Benny Behanan, Adoor Prakash, Kodikunnil Suresh, M K Raghavan, Anto Antony, Rajmohan Unnithan, and Shashi Tharoor have also expressed interest in Assembly seats.

KPCC president Sunny Joseph’s response to Shafi, pointing out that the people of Vadakara would not accept him, highlights the friction between local expectations and MPs’ ambitions. Leaders like K C Venugopal insist decisions should be made based on Kerala’s electoral realities, yet many MPs seem motivated less by public service and more by personal power.

Critics within Congress argue that MPs are taking a reckless gamble: contesting Parliament with the hope of central power, and if unsuccessful, resigning and seeking Assembly positions instead. Such maneuvers would inevitably trigger by-elections for the parliamentary seats, creating unnecessary political instability and wasting public funds. While some may justify these moves as securing constituencies, experienced leaders warn that prioritising personal ambition over party strategy and public interest can backfire.

The internal unrest has also halted KPCC’s planned reorganization of district committees. Some MPs, including Sudhakaran, Kodikunnil Suresh, Anto Antony, and others, resisted changes in their districts, undermining the leadership’s authority. Leaders note that many sitting DC presidents willing to step down remain in place, exposing the party’s reluctance to enforce reforms when confronted with MP pressure.

Although lists for KPCC office-bearers, including general secretaries, deputy secretaries, vice president, and treasurer, have been submitted, the high command’s 100- name limit will inevitably exclude many leaders, potentially creating further resentment. Meanwhile, discussions on DC president appointments are ongoing, but announcements are delayed until a consensus is reached, reflecting the party’s struggle to balance internal power plays with democratic procedures.

The unfolding situation underscores a critical concern; the pursuit of personal political power by MPs threatens organisational stability and comes at a high cost to the public, who may have to fund unnecessary parliamentary by-elections if MPs resign to contest Assembly seats. Such short -term ambition risks long-term damage to Congress’s credibility and governance priorities in Kerala.