Jose K. Mani, Kerala Congress (M) president, as accepted by the KC(M) councilors who won in Pala village by giving them the party symbol, two leaves. | Photo credit: VISHNU PRATHAP
KOTTAYAM
In local body elections keenly watched due to intense rivalries between Kerala Congress factions in Central Travancore, the PJ Joseph faction emerged with renewed momentum under the United Democratic Front (UDF) banner, while the Kerala Congress (M) was rocked by an unexpected setback in what was once considered its impregnable strongholds.
The faction led by Jose K. Mani suffered heavy losses in its traditional strongholds, especially Pala municipality, and its overall strike rate dropped sharply compared to the 2020 local polls. After joining the Left Democratic Front (LDF) shortly before the previous elections, the KC (M) contested 960 constituencies in the state and won over 500 of them. This time the party contested 1,026 constituencies but managed to secure victory in just 243.
“We accept the people’s mandate. But we will not change our political stand just to gain power in any local body. A detailed probe will be done to understand the reasons behind this defeat,” Mani said. Beyond Palam, the party also lost control in several grama panchayats long considered its strongholds, including Kadanad, Karur, Kidangoor, Ramapuram and Meenachil.
In contrast, the Congress in Kerala led by Mr. Joseph cashed in on the rise of the UDF. Contesting around 650 constituencies across the state, the party won 332 seats and played a decisive role in returning the UDF to power in Kottayam and Idukki district panchayats. In Kottayam district panchayat alone, four of the seven candidates fielded by the party won.
“The UDF wresting back power in Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta district panchayats is a decisive verdict against the LDF,” said Mons Joseph, the party’s executive president. “The strong performance of UDF candidates in Central Travancore reflects the political collapse and administrative failure of the LDF.”
Over six decades, the Congress in Kerala has witnessed repeated splits, mergers, shifts in political allegiances and generational transitions. Despite this upheaval, its splinter groups have maintained a deep-seated influence in Central Travancore, particularly among Catholics, which has helped them remain a force that continues to shape electoral outcomes in the region.
Published – 13 Dec 2025 20:40 IST
