On February 28, 2025, the Congress leadership gathered at Indira Bhawan headquarters in New Delhi to address growing tensions within its Kerala unit, emphasizing unity and adherence to the party line as they prepare for the 2026 Assembly elections. Under the watchful eyes of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former Chief Rahul Gandhi, and other senior leaders, the meeting aimed to reinforce the party's organizational structure and facilitate cohesion among its ranks, particularly amid rising disagreements fueled by recent comments from Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor.
The meeting unfolded against the backdrop of Tharoor's remarks, which some party members interpreted as favorable toward the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. This perception sparked discontent among certain factions within the Kerala Congress, leading to speculation about possible divisions within the party. During the meeting, Rahul Gandhi stated, "We should not do or say anything which goes against the party line, as doing so means we are disrespecting the people of Kerala," underlining the importance of following the party’s collective narrative.
Notably, during the session, Gandhi cautioned his colleagues about the necessity for careful communication and strategy moving forward. "I know people are really emotional; they want change, so we should be very careful about our political strategy and roadmap. We must maintain respect for the constituents of Kerala," he reiterated, as reported by PTI.
The Congress leadership did not overlook the urgency of filling vacant posts and promoting unity. Deepa Dasmunshi, the Congress’s Kerala affairs in-charge, conveyed to reporters the belief of the high command: "If anyone makes personal remarks contrary to party interests, strict action will follow." This directive was aimed at addressing any future discrepancies among party leaders, particularly concerning personal opinions expressed publicly.
Tharoor had recently faced backlash after speaking positively about the LDF government's initiatives to improve the state's investment climate, leading some Congress leaders to call for more unified messaging. His participation at the meeting sought to dispel notions of division within the party, as Dasmunshi affirmed, "There is no confusion on the matter. I will say there is no one in the Kerala unit of the party who is pro-Left or pro-BJP. Everyone is fighting against them and fighting unitedly."
Ramesh Chennithala, another prominent party figure, echoed the sentiments of unity, asserting, "Everybody will be united and fight for the people of Kerala as the state government has failed on all fronts. We will fight and (a Congress-led) United Democratic Front will come to power in 2026." His statement emphasized the Congress party's commitment to collective action against both the LDF and the BJP.
The discourse among Congress leaders also touched upon the internal challenges posed by media representations of the party's dynamics, with Dasmunshi expressing frustration: "The media is giving the wrong impression... Everyone here has expressed strongly against the LDF and against BJP. The leaders are strongly united, and they will speak in univocal voice."
Kharge, engaging with the media following the meeting, reiterated the Congress party's long-term vision for Kerala and his belief in the inevitable change to come. "Change is inevitable. Congress has built the development paradigm and welfare model of Kerala, and we will do everything possible to bring our UDF to power," he stated, aiming to inspire confidence among party workers and voters alike.
The call for solidarity and shared purpose was clear, especially as the Congress party positions itself for the upcoming elections. Vibrant discussions focused not only on addressing the discord but also on presenting clear, unified perspectives to the public. According to sources present at the meeting, it was agreed upon: "Just before elections, we should not express individual views. There must be one collective voice."
With several high-profile leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi, participating in these discussions, the Congress party signals its intent to recalibrate its approach and strengthen its footing in Kerala—a state pivotal for its electoral prospects. The meeting underlined the necessity of collective strategy and the urgent need to avoid internal frictions, especially as the clock ticks toward elections.
Tharoor’s earlier remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's international engagement and previously published articles praising aspects of the LDF's governance led to internal scrutiny, pushing the Congress leadership to take decisive actions to avert discord. Addressing these tensions, Dasmunshi commented, "Because there is controversy by the media and by the translation of what he said..." and insisted on maintaining focus on party principles rather than individual narratives.
While the Kerala Congress strives to navigate through this challenging political terrain enhanced by external perceptions, its leaders remain steadfast about their commitment to present a united front. The party appears poised to tackle the pressing challenges of the upcoming elections, advocating for their policies and plans without losing sight of party unity.