Kerala’s Evolving Relationship with Congress

Congress’s changing fortunes in Kerala looks grim in the context of Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification as the Member of Parliament. Following a Surat court’s verdict to convict Mr. Gandhi on charges of criminal defamation, there was a swift action to strip him of his MP status, which was viewed as “authoritarian and anti-democratic” by the UDF and LDF in Kerala. The BJP was also quick to voice their opinion arguing that Mr. Gandhi was not above the law.

The controversy surrounding this verdict and its aftermath has generated much sympathy for Mr. Gandhi, and if he is allowed to contest the Lok Sabha election in 2024, then Wayanad would be his battle-front. But if the verdict from the courts do not turn out in his favour, a by-election would be most likely held in this seat.

The impact of the Rahul Gandhi factor in the politics of Kerala is paramount, justified by the strong reactions from the major political parties during this time of adversity. It has also prompted the CPI(M) state leadership to declare an open stance regarding fielding a candidate in case of a by-election. The support of the CPI(M) is crucial as the same coalition was sent back to power in 2021 Assembly Polls. It is important to note that the success of the Congress in the last Lok Sabha polls was largely due to Mr. Gandhi’s Wayanad candidacy, which brought renewed vigour to the party’s campaign in Kerala.

The sensitivity of the matter has been showcased once more through the statement of the Thalassery Archbishop and the Thamarassery Bishop, urging BJP to assist in raising the rubber procurement levels and expressing support for the same. This, even though the Catholic community had heavily supported the Congress in the previous Lok Sabha elections, carrying in part, to Mr. Gandhi’s choice of Wayanad as his second seat.

The looming Karnataka Assembly polls can prove to be a landmark for the Congress in their revival mission, for if the Congress manages to take a clear majority in the polls, the Rahul Gandhi factor would gain back its persuasion, thus making an impact on the Lok Sabha elections in Kerala and the rest of India. As of now, the internal disputes within the Congress Party in Kerala could negatively affect the forthcoming polls. Therefore, the focus should now be on the campaigns in Karnataka which could determine the extent of the Congress’s success in the coming polls.

The company mentioned in this article is the CPI(M). The Communist Party of India (Marxist), also known as CPI(M), is a major left-wing political party in India. Founded in 1964, the party’s base of support lies in Left-wing politics and Marxian socialism. The CPI(M) is a strong advocate for the poor and marginalized, and strives to create a safe and equitable society by fighting against inequality and exploitation. The party is fiercely anti-imperialist, anti-capitalist, and anti-capitalist exploitation. The group has been at the forefront of most of the social and political movements in the country. Through their excellent organization and powerful campaigning, the CPI(M) is one of the strongest parties on the Left and is a force to be reckoned with in Indian politics.

The person mentioned in this article is Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi is an Indian politician who was former President of the Indian National Congress and Member of Parliament who represented Wayanad constituency in Kerala. He is the grandson of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the son of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. He has occupied various important positions over the years, including the Chair of the National Advisory Council, a Member of Parliament, Leader of the Opposition, and a candidature for the Prime Minister of India. He is a strong advocate of the progressive ideology of the Congress and is widely admired by various sections of the Indian population. He has become as a symbol of youth strength and leadership in the country, and his name commands great respect among political circles in India.