Priyanka Gandhi May Lead Congress in Kerala Polls Amid Internal Strife

With Kerala’s 2026 Assembly elections looming, the Congress high command is poised to appoint Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to spearhead the party’s campaign, frustrated by persistent infighting within its state unit. AICC General Secretary Deepa Dasmunsi, overseeing Kerala, proposed Priyanka lead a special election committee to tackle the discord plaguing the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).

The move follows a high-level Delhi meeting last month where Priyanka actively engaged with senior leaders, including KPCC President K. Sudhakaran, Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala, whose power struggles have unsettled UDF allies. Dasmunsi’s subsequent talks with coalition partners underscored their unease, prompting the high command to seek a unifying figure.

A political observer remarked, “Despite multiple scams and corruption allegations, the CPI-M, under Pinarayi Vijayan, has maintained public discipline since taking power in 2016. In contrast, Congress continues to air its internal disputes publicly, which alienates ordinary voters.

If the party does not resolve these conflicts, its prospects in the upcoming elections will suffer.” The ruling CPI-M’s cohesion starkly contrasts with Congress’ factionalism, a longstanding issue in Kerala.

Priyanka’s potential leadership faces immediate tests: the Nilambur by-election, vacated by ex-Left ally P.V. Anvar, and upcoming local body polls. With pressure mounting to curb strife and bolster the UDF, her appointment aims to restore discipline and boost Congress’ chances against a united Left front in 2026.