The Congress, which has been trying to field candidates for the assembly polls, faced another jolt on Thursday with the Dalit collective coming out against the party as it rejected the promised candidature of Dalit activist Sunny M. Kapikad and tribal leader CK Janu.
Addressing the media in Kottayam on Thursday, Dalit Samudaya Munnani leaders said that the Congress rejected Sunny’s candidature under pressure from the Rashriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Nair Service Society (NSS).
They also warned that the Congress’ decision to abandon the inclusive policy put forward by Congress national leaders Mallikarjuna Kharge and Rahul Gandhi at the Raipur plenary would lead to a change in the political climate that was favorable to the UDF.
“RSS-Sangh Parivar leaders like RV Babu and Sasikala Teacher were the first to oppose Sunny’s candidature. It is evident that some Congress leaders were reluctant to challenge the RSS stand. NSS influence and pressure on key Congress leaders to select candidates highlights the oligarchic tendencies within the party,” said general secretary PA Prasad, the organisation’s state secretary.
“Sunny was assured of a seat and despite ongoing discussions in the media, Congress leaders did not deny it. It was only on the day the provisional list of candidates was announced that some Congress leaders who pander to Sangh Parivar interests opposed his candidature, jeopardizing UDF’s prospects in Vaikom.” There is strong sentiment in Kerala that there is no doubt against these elections.
Leaders added that the Congress party’s failure to recognize Dalits and tribal groups as a political bloc has made them reconsider their unconditional support to the UDF in this election. They will now support candidates deemed acceptable. The Dalit collective has also decided to form a new political party under Sunny’s leadership with plans to contest the upcoming elections.
Adding to the controversy was Ernakulam Congress leader Ajay Tharayil, who on Thursday also spoke out against the proposed candidature of Mr. Kapikkad through a Facebook post.
Published – 19 March 2026 21:09 IST
