KOCHI: While all political parties are on edge awaiting the Lok Sabha poll results, the stakes are even higher for the two major Kerala Congress factions. For it could determine their future in their respective political landscapes.
Kerala Congress (M), which has become a major ally of LDF, stands to gain greater acceptance within the coalition if it manages to retain its stronghold of Kottayam. On the opposing side, a victory in this rubber-producing region would undoubtedly strengthen the strife-ridden Joseph faction, giving it more leverage within the Congress-led UDF.
Despite the Joseph faction’s poor performance in the 2021 assembly polls, UDF allocated the Kottayam seat to the outfit, acknowledging the traditional influence of the Kerala Congress in Christian belts. There was a general sentiment among the rank and file of the Congress that the party could win the seat this time if it fielded its candidate in its official hand symbol. However, Congress — after several rounds of deliberations — decided to accept the Joseph group’s demand for the Kottayam seat, the intension being to regain its influence in the region.
Recognising the significance of the opportunity, the Joseph faction fielded Francis George, the son of Kerala Congress’ founding leader K M George, to contest against Thomas Chazhikadan. A victory in this traditional UDF stronghold will undoubtedly strengthen the bargaining capacity of the party currently facing a severe leadership crisis. With P J Joseph’s influence waning because of advancing age, the party finds itself in a transitional phase, in need of a strong leader to unify its ranks.
In contrast, the Kerala Congress (M) has a comparatively strong leadership under chairman Jose K Mani, who enjoys considerable backing from the top CPM leadership. However, losing the Kottayam LS seat, after having lost its home turf of Pala in the assembly election, could spell the end of the road for the party.
“This Lok Sabha election was a battle for existence for both Kerala Congress parties,” said political observer Dijo Kappen.
“The settler farmers in Kottayam, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, and some parts of Ernakulam district were the supporters of the party. Now, their second generation is settling abroad, and this mass exodus of the state’s youth has affected the Kerala Congress the worst. The factions lack a second generation of leadership.”
Those who resigned recently from the party criticised P J Joseph for having prioritised the interests of a select few leaders like Mons Joseph, MLA. Sources with the Joseph faction said Francis George would be the next leader of the outfit which is already shaken by the quitting of key leaders, including its former Kottayam district president Saji Manjakadambil.
“Francis George has proved himself as a good parliamentarian and he could lead the party, unifying its cadre,” Kappen said.
Meanwhile, a senior leader said people’s sentiments against the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government and the issues such as the agrarian crisis and wildlife attacks have put the Kerala Congress (M) in a dilemma.
“A setback in its traditional bastion will affect its prominence in the Left front. Besides, a defeat in the battle between the KC factions will result in KC(M) losing its edge over the Joseph group,” he said.
Fierce battle
Kerala Congress (M), which has become a major ally of LDF, stands to gain greater acceptance within the coalition if it manages to retain its stronghold of Kottayam
A victory in this rubber-producing region would undoubtedly strengthen the strife-ridden Joseph faction, giving it more leverage within the Congress-led UDF