By Suresh Unnithan with Nanditha Subhadra
The unprecedented landslide victory of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the just concluded Kerala local body elections, one might expect, could cement the unity of a hitherto fragmented leadership of the Congress- the captain of the coalition. On the contrary, the triumph has ignited a fresh wave of internal discord, exposing deep-seated fractures that could unravel the alliance’s prospects in the crucial 2026 Assembly elections. As the adage goes, “the real enemy of the Congress is within”—a phrase that resonates more than ever in Kerala’s political landscape. This infighting not only weakens the UDF but also opens doors for the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) to consolidate power and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to expand its footprint in a state where it has historically struggled.
The local body polls, held amid high stakes, saw the UDF clinch decisive supremacy over the grama panchayats, municipalities, and corporations, dealing a blow to the LDF’s dominance. Yet, the celebrations were short-lived. Internal squabbles erupted almost immediately, centered on leadership credits and power dynamics. Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan has been widely praised for steering the UDF to victory, but this acclaim has bred resentment among senior figures who feel overlooked.
Take, for instance, the friction between Kodikkunnil Suresh, the MP from Mavelikkara, and the Indian National Youth Congress (INYC). Suresh, often criticized as a “non-performing” leader, has clashed with the youth wing over perceived inefficiencies and a lack of grassroots engagement. This isn’t isolated; it’s symptomatic of broader factionalism. Reports indicate that a vocal section within the party is demanding the ouster of both the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president for their failure in containing internal bickering.
Public spats have further amplified these tensions. Shashi Tharoor, the charismatic MP from Thiruvananthapuram, stirred controversy by congratulating the BJP on its “historic performance” in the capital city’s corporation. This olive branch was swiftly rebuked by AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, who emphasized the need to confront the BJP as a primary adversary. Such divergent views not only highlight ideological rifts but also project a party in disarray to the electorate.
Even in the polls themselves, internal dissent undermined potential landslides. Rebel candidates and disputes over selections in areas like Kattappana and Thodupuzha municipalities led to narrower victories, revealing how factional sabotage can erode electoral gains. The Congress high command is reportedly keeping a close watch, recognizing that UDF unity is paramount for the 2026 electoral battle. But with these cracks widening, the LDF—led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist)—could exploit the chaos to portray itself as a stable, cohesive alternative.
The Historical Curse of “The Enemy Within”
This isn’t a new phenomenon for the Congress. The phrase “the real enemy of the Congress is within” captures a perennial plague of intra-party rivalry, factionalism, and infighting that has often proven more debilitating than external opponents. As far back as 2002, party leaders lamented that members behaved more like opposition than allies. In 2018, senior leader A.K. Antony explicitly invoked the idea in Kerala, warning that internal groupism was the party’s true Achilles’ heel.
Fast-forward to late 2024 and 2025, and the issues persist. Clashes between figures like KPCC president K. Sudhakaran, V.D. Satheesan, and Shashi Tharoor underscore ongoing power struggles. “Dead wood”—ineffective office bearers with little local clout or purpose—clogs the organizational structure, fostering stagnation. Dual leadership models create confusion, splitting loyalties and hampering decision-making. These elements combine to form a toxic brew that distracts from policy-making and voter outreach.
In Kerala, where politics is fiercely competitive, such disunity is a gift to rivals. The LDF, already in power since 2016 and re-elected in 2021, has a track record of capitalizing on opposition weaknesses. By maintaining internal discipline, the LDF can focus on governance narratives around welfare schemes, disaster management, and anti-corruption drives. If Congress infighting persists, disillusioned UDF voters—particularly from minority communities and urban pockets—might drift back to the LDF, allowing it to secure a third term.
BJP’s Opportunistic Gains
The BJP, traditionally a marginal player in Kerala, stands to benefit even more disproportionately. The party’s “historic performance” in Thiruvananthapuram, as noted by Tharoor, signals growing inroads in Hindu-majority areas and among disgruntled youth. Internal Congress chaos could accelerate this shift. For one, public disagreements like the Tharoor-Venugopal spat might alienate secular voters, pushing them toward the BJP’s narrative of strong, unified leadership under Narendra Modi.
Moreover, factionalism often leads to defections or weakened campaigns. Rebels from Congress could align with the BJP, bolstering its cadre in key constituencies. In the 2021 Assembly polls, the BJP won just one seat but increased its vote share; with UDF disarray, it could target double digits in 2026, especially in central and southern Kerala. The LDF, too, might indirectly aid this by focusing attacks on a fragmented Congress, creating a three-way split that favors the incumbents.
A Wake-Up Call for Unity
As the Congress high command intervenes, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Kerala has long been a bastion for the party, but repeated self-sabotage risks turning it into a battleground where LDF retains control and BJP emerges as a viable third force. The 2025 local polls victory should have been a springboard; instead, it’s a stark reminder of Antony’s 2018 warning. If the Congress doesn’t excise its “enemy within”—through structural reforms, clear hierarchies, and reconciliation—it may well hand the 2026 Assembly to its foes on a silver platter.
The path forward demands introspection. Purging “dead wood,” resolving dual leadership ambiguities, and fostering genuine unity could revitalize the UDF. Otherwise, Kerala’s voters, weary of infighting, might seek stability elsewhere, reshaping the state’s political map for years to come.
