THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Energized by a significant by-election victory in the Nilambur constituency, the Indian National Congress in Kerala is immediately shifting its strategic focus to the upcoming local body elections. A key meeting of the party’s state Political Affairs Committee has been scheduled for June 27 to harness the new momentum and chart the course forward.
A meeting of the larger United Democratic Front (UDF) coalition, led by the Congress, will also be convened soon.
Major Reshuffle Unlikely
Sources within the party indicate that despite the victory, a major organizational overhaul of the KPCC (Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee) and its district-level committees (DCCs) is unlikely at this stage.
The state leadership believes the successful campaign in Nilambur was a result of excellent teamwork. With the local body elections just months away, a large-scale reshuffle is seen as potentially counterproductive and could disrupt the winning combination. The consensus is to continue with the majority of the current office-bearers, possibly with a few new additions. This matter will be a key point of discussion in the upcoming committee meeting.
‘Inappropriate’ Remarks on Anvar Cause Displeasure
While the mood is celebratory, comments made by some senior leaders regarding independent rebel P.V. Anvar have caused a stir within the state Congress. On the day of the results, some leaders had publicly stated that the UDF’s victory margin could have been even larger if Anvar had been part of the coalition.
A significant faction within the party feels these remarks were “inappropriate.” They argue that the victory was particularly sweet because it was achieved without Anvar, proving the party’s standalone strength in the constituency. This internal disagreement is expected to be a key topic of discussion at the June 27 meeting.
Buoyed by the Nilambur result, the Indian National Congress and its UDF partners are now aiming to resolve minor internal issues and carry their winning momentum into the vital local body elections.
