The Congress party is once again confronting internal discord across several poll-bound states, with recent developments in Assam and Kerala highlighting deeper structural challenges within the organisation.
In Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal — all politically significant states heading toward elections — signs of factionalism and strategic confusion have surfaced. These developments point not only to tensions within state units but also to an apparent gap between regional leadership and the party’s central command.
The BJP has seized the opportunity to target the Congress leadership, claiming that dissent within the party reflects a broader crisis of confidence. Party spokespersons have pointed to public remarks by senior Congress leaders as evidence of ideological and leadership divides.
Kerala Controversy
In Kerala, senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar stirred controversy by predicting that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) could secure another term in office. His remarks came during a seminar on governance and development, where he praised the performance of the current state government.
Although the Congress officially distanced itself from his comments, Aiyar later reaffirmed his assessment. He stated that while he wishes the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to win, he believes the LDF may retain power based on the political landscape.
Kerala has historically alternated between the UDF and LDF governments. However, this pattern shifted in 2021 when the LDF retained power after first winning in 2016 — breaking the long-standing cycle of change.
Assam Leadership Crisis
In Assam, senior Congress leader Bhupen Kumar Borah briefly resigned from the party, citing internal dissatisfaction and feeling sidelined by the leadership. His resignation letter was addressed to party president Mallikarjun Kharge and also sent to Rahul Gandhi.
Borah hinted that his decision stemmed from disagreements related to internal decisions and organisational matters within the state unit. However, after discussions with national leaders, he withdrew his resignation.
The episode revived memories of Himanta Biswa Sarma’s 2015 departure from the Congress — a move that significantly reshaped Assam’s political landscape and strengthened the BJP’s position in the state.
Tensions in Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, friction has emerged within the Congress–DMK alliance over power-sharing expectations. The Congress has reportedly sought a more prominent role within the coalition, while Chief Minister MK Stalin has ruled out any formal executive power-sharing arrangement.
Some Congress leaders have publicly voiced concerns over their limited influence in the alliance. Meanwhile, the rise of actor-turned-politician Vijay and his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has added a new dimension to the state’s political arithmetic.
West Bengal: Going Solo
In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ruled out a pre-poll alliance with Congress for the 2026 Assembly elections. In response, the Congress high command has decided to contest all 294 Assembly seats independently.
Although both parties remain part of the broader INDIA bloc at the national level, there is no formal seat-sharing agreement in Bengal, underscoring the fragmented nature of opposition unity at the state level.
As elections approach in these key states, Congress faces the dual challenge of managing internal cohesion while negotiating alliances. The coming months will test whether the party can stabilise its state units and present a unified strategy in the face of mounting political competition.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
