This election is particularly crucial for the Kerala Congress (M), led by José K. Mani, who defected to the Left Democratic Front (LDF) ahead of the 2021 assembly polls.File | Photo credit: The Hindu
With the counting of votes in the 2026 assembly elections just a day away, attention has once again turned to the divided but influential Kerala Congress camp, where the verdict could shape not only the electoral fortunes but also the future influence, relevance and survival of its rival factions.
This election is particularly crucial for the Kerala Congress (M), led by José K. Mani, who after a dramatic exit from the United Democratic Front (UDF) switched to the Left Democratic Front (LDF) ahead of the 2021 parliamentary polls. The move reshaped Kerala’s coalition arithmetic, but the political gamble remains unfinished. Mr. Mani’s second defeat in Pala could deal a serious blow to his leadership and reopen uncomfortable questions about the party’s future direction.
Published – 02 May 2026 20:12 IST
