Congress Leader Ramesh Chennithala Defers to Party Leadership on Chief Minister Candidacy
Congress stalwart and Haripad assembly candidate Ramesh Chennithala declared on Friday that the final decision regarding his projection as the chief ministerial face for the pivotal 2026 Kerala assembly elections rests entirely with the party leadership. Emphasizing his enduring five-decade association with the Nehru-Gandhi family, Chennithala affirmed his unwavering commitment to abide by the party's directives.
Deference to Party High Command and Leadership
"The party will decide. I have maintained a strong and unbroken relationship with Sonia Gandhi and the Nehru family for 50 years; I will faithfully follow whatever they determine," Chennithala stated in an interview with ANI. When questioned about his personal preference between Delhi and Trivandrum, he diplomatically responded, "I appreciate both Delhi and Trivandrum equally. My actions will align with the decisions of the party leadership."
Confident Projections for UDF's Electoral Prospects
Chennithala exuded robust confidence in the Congress-led United Democratic Front's (UDF) imminent return to power in Kerala. "Only a few days remain until the elections. The Congress party's prospects appear exceptionally promising. The UDF will undoubtedly form the government with a decisive majority. The people of Kerala stand firmly with us," he asserted.
He launched a sharp critique of the incumbent CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, alleging stagnation and regression over the past decade. "Nothing of significant substance has been accomplished in the last ten years under the current administration. Kerala has witnessed a period of decline. The populace is suffering and deeply dissatisfied. Upon reviewing the government's performance, voters will overwhelmingly favor us," Chennithala contended.
Highlighting UDF's Citizen-Centric Manifesto
The Congress leader highlighted the comprehensive and people-oriented UDF manifesto, which he described as a blueprint for progress. Key electoral promises, termed 'Indira guarantees,' include:
- A monthly pension of Rs 2,000 for eligible beneficiaries
- Interest-free loans up to Rs 5 lakh for youth entrepreneurship
- Free travel for women on KSRTC buses
- Monthly financial support of Rs 1,000 for college-going female students
- Establishment of a dedicated ministry for senior citizens
- Enhanced provisions for comprehensive health insurance coverage
"The citizens of Kerala have placed their trust in our manifesto and its transformative agenda," he added, underscoring that this positive vision would galvanize public support and lead to the formation of a UDF government.
Dismissing BJP and Critiquing LDF's Campaign Strategy
Chennithala categorically downplayed the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) electoral relevance in Kerala. "The BJP is not a consequential factor in Kerala's political landscape. Divisive communal politics will not resonate here. Kerala's electorate is highly educated and discerning. The BJP contests elections not with a genuine aim to win, but primarily to fragment votes," he remarked.
Commenting on the LDF's campaign strategy of prominently featuring Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Chennithala pointed to a contrast within the Congress. "Pinarayi Vijayan is the incumbent Chief Minister, so naturally they project him. Their party lacks other prominent leaders. Our situation is fundamentally different. The Congress possesses a multitude of capable and experienced leaders. Every leader's face is known to the people, who will ultimately choose the most suitable chief minister. There is no internal discord or infighting within our party," he stated.
Election Schedule and Context
Polling for the 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections is scheduled to be conducted in a single phase on April 9. The counting of votes will follow on May 4. The tenure of the current legislative assembly is set to conclude on May 23, marking a critical juncture for the state's political future.
