Congress Leadership Issues Tough Guidelines Ahead of Kerala Assembly Elections
In a firm directive to party aspirants, All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K C Venugopal has declared that candidates who fail to win in the upcoming assembly elections will be excluded from consideration for future party positions. This stern message was delivered during a meeting of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office-bearers in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, signaling a significant shift in the party's approach to candidate selection and internal discipline.
Zero Tolerance for Lobbying and Self-Declaration
Venugopal emphasized that the party high command will prioritize "deserving" candidates and will not entertain any pressure tactics or lobbying for tickets. He explicitly stated that any individual who publicly declares their candidature will automatically lose their chance to contest. "In the past, several deserving leaders were sidelined, and tickets were given to those who lobbied. That will not happen this time," Venugopal asserted, highlighting the party's commitment to merit-based selection.
The AICC has decided to implement a rigorous scrutiny process for all potential candidates, ensuring that only those with genuine electoral prospects and party loyalty are chosen. This move aims to curb the rampant lobbying that has historically plagued the party during election seasons.
Background: Intense Internal Competition and External Pressures
Venugopal's tough stance comes against the backdrop of heightened internal competition within the Congress party in Kerala. The improved performance of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the recent local body elections has triggered a surge in lobbying among leaders seeking assembly tickets. This show of strength has intensified the race for candidature, placing the state leadership in a challenging position.
Additionally, the party is facing pressure over reports that leaders from other political parties who recently joined the Congress may be considered for candidature in select constituencies. Among those under discussion are:
- A Suresh, former personal assistant to ex-chief minister V S Achuthanandan
- Premkumar, former vice-chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy
According to party sources, these two individuals are being considered for the Palakkad and Kazhakkoottam constituencies, where the Congress finished third in the last assembly elections. The Kazhakkoottam constituency, in particular, has witnessed intense internal lobbying, further complicating the leadership's decision-making process.
Veteran Leader A K Antony Urges Focus on Defeating Ruling Government
Earlier on Monday, veteran Congress leader A K Antony addressed a function organized by the party mouthpiece Veekshanam, urging party workers to concentrate on defeating the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government rather than engaging in speculation about the chief ministerial face if the Congress returns to power. Antony's remarks underscore the party's strategic focus on unity and electoral victory over internal factionalism.
Congress High Command Projects Discipline and Unity
With factional maneuvering emerging ahead of candidate selection, the Congress high command appears determined to project an image of discipline and unity as it prepares for a high-stakes electoral battle in Kerala. The party's leadership is keen to avoid the internal conflicts that have often undermined its electoral prospects in the past.
The new guidelines introduced by Venugopal represent a clear attempt to streamline the candidate selection process, reduce infighting, and ensure that the party presents a cohesive front to voters. By barring election losers from party posts and cracking down on lobbying, the Congress aims to foster a culture of accountability and performance within its ranks.
As the assembly elections approach, these measures will be closely watched to see if they can effectively curb indiscipline and enhance the party's electoral chances in a politically competitive state like Kerala.
