KC factions navigate legacy, evolution
Evolving political preferences of secondgeneration voters and insidious influence of the right wing come as challenges to the factions; however, strategic restructuring and positioning have enabled them to maintain their importance as key political inter
n April 9, Kottayam bore witness to two distinct events commemorating the fifth death anniversary of K.M. Mani, the Kerala Congress (KC) patriarch.
While Jose K. Mani, the late leader’s son and current chairman of the Kerala Congress (M), paid his respects with floral tributes in Kottayam, P.J. Joseph, chairman of the rival faction, laid a floral wreath at the late leader’s tomb at the St. Thomas cathedral in Pala.
OCritical phase
The parallel occurrence of the events, set against the backdrop of a critical election phase for the competing Kerala Congress factions in Kottayam, symbolises the political dynamics unfolding in central Travancore.
After dominating the rubber heartland for many years, the KC factions find themselves at crossroads, balancing between their longstanding support from settler farmers and the evolving preferences of secondgeneration voters who are increasingly aligning with mainstream political parties. Despite the shift, strategic restructuring and positioning have enabled the factions to maintain their importance as key political intermediaries, particularly in connecting major political coalitions with the Christian heartland in the region.
Following the death of K.M. Mani, the KC(M) experienced a vertical split, with Jose K. Mani and P.J. Joseph leading separate factions just two months afterwards. Approximately oneandahalf years later, the KC(M) broke its nearly fourdecadeold ties with the United Democratic Front (UDF) to join the Left Democratic Front (LDF).
Subsequently, the faction became a linchpin in the Left front’s strategy to expand its influence into the traditional UDF strongholds of central Travancore. In the ensuing local body elections, held a few months later, the region spanning Kottayam, Idukki, and Pathanamthitta districts leaned towards the Left. In the subsequent year’s Assembly elections, the newly formed alliance demonstrated its resilience, securing five Assembly seats.
Conversely, the rival faction led by P.J. Joseph experienced a significant decline in its support base. Currently, it holds only two Assembly seats, with its presence in local bodies also diminished.
“Both the organisations underwent substantial restructuring post split, but the Kerala Congress now faces a leadership vacuum,” remarked a Kerala
Congress leader. “With P.J. Joseph’s influence gradually diminishing due to age, the party finds itself in a transitional phase, yearning for a strong leader to unify its ranks. In contrast, the KC(M) has undergone a successful semicadre line revamp under its chairman,’’ said a veteran Kerala Congress leader.
Historical influence
Despite setbacks, the UDF has recognised the Kerala Congress’ historical influence in the Christian areas and its capacity to reverse fortunes. Consequently, after extensive deliberations, the UDF has acquiesced to the party’s demand for the Kottayam seat.
Recognising the significance of this opportunity, the regional party has nominated K. Francis George, a prominent figure in its hierarchy and son of Kerala Congress leader K.M. George.
For the Kerala Congress parties, however, emphasising their dedication to their origins and continuity has not come without its challenges. Amidst agricultural distress, wildlife attacks, and perceived increases in the influence of political Islam, the Catholic Church has expressed dissatisfaction with the Kerala Congress factions on various fronts and has started to publicly intervene in the issues on its own. With the Sangh Parivar aiming to exploit this situation to its advantage, the stakes remain high.
“The Kerala Congress parties are clearly in a state of flux and their current political presence doesn’t match up to their historical sway over the region. Young people are now choosing to forge their own political paths,” pointed out a top functionary of the Kerala Congress.