Congress high command has summoned 86-year-old A K Antony from political retirement to head a 17-member core committee in Kerala, a desperate bid to end the raging factional war that threatens to derail the party ahead of local body and 2026 assembly polls. The panel, expanded from a proposed 11-member body, includes rival heavyweights—Sunny Joseph, V D Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, K C Venugopal, and Shashi Tharoor—to enforce collective leadership and block any single leader from dominating decisions. Antony’s symbolic return aims to restore unity, though sources say he may not attend meetings regularly.

The core committee was first proposed eight months ago but delayed amid allegations that AICC general secretary K C Venugopal stalled it to retain control. A senior leader told TNIE on anonymity: “The high command wanted no unilateral decisions, but a national-level leader intervened to delay implementation.” Rahul Gandhi had personally pushed for collective leadership after expressing fury over public spats, especially as the party claims anti-incumbency against LDF is peaking. The delay only deepened distrust.

Tensions exploded after the recent KPCC revamp, with Sunny Joseph accused of sidelining seniors by relying heavily on working presidents. Veterans like V M Sudheeran, K Muraleedharan, and Ramesh Chennithala, alongside youth leader Chandy Oommen, lodged complaints with the high command. The rift between Joseph and Satheesan has turned toxic, with whispers that Venugopal’s “remote control” from Delhi is fueling chaos. The expanded committee now includes Shanimol Usman for women’s representation.

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The 17-member panel comprises CWC members, current and former KPCC presidents, the Leader of Opposition, working presidents, and UDF convener—a deliberate structure to dilute individual power. With Antony, Tharoor, Chennithala, Sudhakaran, Muraleedharan, and Sudheeran on board, the high command hopes to silence dissent and project unity. Yet, insiders warn that without Antony’s active role, the committee risks becoming another talking shop.

As LDF and BJP gear up, Congress faces its toughest test: turning internal bloodletting into electoral firepower. With local body polls looming, the core committee’s success—or failure—will decide if Kerala Congress can reclaim power after a decade in opposition. For now, Antony’s shadow looms large, but the real battle is just beginning.

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