Congress Grapples with Internal Strife in Kerala as 2026 Elections Approach
NEW DELHI: The year 2026 could potentially witness the Congress party securing another state victory, with Kerala emerging as a promising battleground. Recent local body election results in the southern state suggest a possible shift towards the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) after a decade-long hiatus. While this development appears favorable on the surface, deeper challenges loom large for the grand-old party.
The Kerala Conundrum: Tharoor's Troubled Relationship with Leadership
For an extended period, the Congress in Kerala has been making headlines for unfavorable reasons. Shashi Tharoor, once celebrated as the party's brightest star in the state and a symbol of internal democracy, has recently become a persistent source of embarrassment. His public disagreements with the Congress leadership have provided ample political ammunition to rivals, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), enabling them to undermine the Gandhi family's authority.
The Congress leadership's response to this escalating crisis has been notably passive. For nearly a year, no substantial action was taken. As election pressures mounted, the top leadership finally engaged Tharoor in discussions, attempting to project an image of unity. Tharoor has since declared alignment with the leadership and expressed willingness to campaign. However, the actual outcomes of these reconciliation efforts remain uncertain.
A Pattern of Procrastination: Congress High Command's Indecisiveness
This hesitant approach in Kerala reflects a broader trend within the Congress party. When confronted with power struggles in various states, the high command has consistently demonstrated reluctance to make difficult decisions. This indecision has frequently resulted in unpleasant situations and even prompted political desertions. Over the past twelve years, numerous Congress leaders have departed, citing the leadership's failure to resolve internal disputes.
State-by-State Analysis of Leadership Conflicts
Karnataka: The Rotational Chief Ministership Controversy
Karnataka's 2023 assembly election victory represented a significant achievement for the Congress, offering hope for national revival. However, the state has since transformed into a constant embarrassment due to an open power struggle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Supporters of Shivakumar claim a rotational chief ministership agreement was brokered post-victory, while Siddaramaiah's faction denies any such arrangement. Despite both sides pledging to respect the high command's decision, the leadership remains hesitant to intervene.
Rajasthan: Gehlot-Pilot Rivalry and Electoral Consequences
In Rajasthan, the Congress lost power partly due to the protracted conflict between former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and ex-state party chief Sachin Pilot. Pilot, instrumental in the party's electoral success, sought the top position but faced resistance from Gehlot, who commanded substantial MLA support. The leadership's failure to resolve this dispute culminated in Pilot's rebellion and eventual retreat following Priyanka Gandhi's intervention. The Congress ultimately lost the state.
Madhya Pradesh: Kamal Nath's Dominance and Scindia's Exit
Madhya Pradesh witnessed the Congress leadership appearing powerless as veteran leader Kamal Nath maintained firm control. This dominance marginalized Jyotiraditya Scindia, who eventually defected to the BJP with sufficient support to topple Nath's government. The leadership's inaction contributed to the party's inability to regain power in subsequent elections.
Chhattisgarh: Baghel vs. Singh Deo and Delayed Resolution
Chhattisgarh experienced similar tensions between Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and challenger T S Singh Deo, who claimed a rotational chief ministership agreement. Singh Deo resigned as minister in 2022 to pressure the high command, which eventually appointed him deputy chief minister in June 2023, just months before assembly elections.
Punjab: Imposed Leadership and Electoral Disaster
Punjab presented a unique case where the high command imposed Charanjit Singh Channi as chief minister instead of choosing between prominent contenders Captain Amarinder Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu. This decision backfired spectacularly, with the Congress suffering a decisive defeat against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Himachal Pradesh: A Rare Example of Decisive Action
Himachal Pradesh stands as an exception where the Congress leadership made a clear decision in favor of Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu over Pratibha Singh for chief ministership. Despite ongoing pressure from Singh's faction, this case demonstrates that decisive action is possible and necessary.
Root Causes: Sibling Rivalry and Leadership Vacuum
Several former Congress leaders attribute these persistent problems to internal dynamics within the Gandhi family, particularly suggesting rivalry between Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who spent 22 years in Congress before joining BJP, recently described himself as a "victim" of this alleged rift. The BJP consistently highlights this perceived division, using statements from disgruntled Congress leaders to reinforce their narrative.
Former Bihar Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad's criticism of Rahul Gandhi's leadership style—claiming it thrives on insecurity and obedience—was swiftly exploited by BJP to attack the Gandhis. The Congress dismisses these allegations as politically motivated attacks coordinated with the BJP.
The Cost of Indecision: Implications for Congress Revival
Leadership conflicts in states have significantly hampered the Congress party's revival efforts. The reluctance of older leaders to relinquish control to younger generations, combined with apparent helplessness at the leadership level, has created systemic challenges. Unlike the BJP, which can accommodate state leaders in central positions, the Congress lacks this flexibility while out of power at the national level.
The party's indecisiveness in resolving state-level disputes has proven costly. As the 2026 elections approach, the Congress must address these internal fractures decisively. State-level successes remain crucial for any potential return to power at the Centre, making immediate action imperative for the grand-old party's survival and resurgence.
