Jose K. Mani, chairman of the Kerala Congress (M), according a reception to KC(M) councillors who won in the Pala municipality by presenting them with the party symbol, two leaves.
| Photo Credit: VISHNU PRATHAP
KOTTAYAM
In a local body election closely watched for the intense rivalry between the Kerala Congress factions in Central Travancore, the P.J. Joseph faction has emerged with renewed momentum in the United Democratic Front (UDF) banner, while the Kerala Congress (M) has been jolted by an unexpected setback in what were once considered its impregnable bastions.
The Jose K. Mani-led faction has suffered heavy losses in its traditional strongholds, most notably the Pala municipality, and saw its overall strike rate plunge sharply compared to the 2020 local body polls. After joining the Left Democratic Front (LDF) shortly ahead of the previous elections, the KC (M) had contested 960 wards in the State and won over 500 of them. This time, the party contested 1,026 wards but managed to secure victory in just 243.
“We accept the people’s mandate. However, we will not alter our political stance merely to gain power in any local body. A detailed examination will be conducted to understand the reasons behind this defeat,” Mr. Mani said. Beyond Pala, the party also lost control in several grama panchayats long regarded as its fortresses, including Kadanad, Karur, Kidangoor, Ramapuram and Meenachil.
In contrast, the Kerala Congress led by Mr. Joseph capitalised on the UDF surge. Contesting around 650 wards across the State, the party won 332 seats and played a decisive role in the UDF’s return to power in the Kottayam and Idukki district panchayats. In the Kottayam district panchayat alone, four of the seven candidates fielded by the party emerged victorious.
“The UDF wresting back power in the Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta district panchayats is a resounding verdict against the LDF,” said Mons Joseph, executive chairman of the party. “The strong performance of UDF candidates in Central Travancore reflects the political collapse and administrative failure of the LDF.”
Over more than six decades, the Kerala Congress has witnessed repeated splits, mergers, shifts in political allegiance and generational transitions. Despite this churn, its splinter groups have retained a deep-rooted influence in Central Travancore, particularly among the Catholics, which has helped them remain a force that continues to shape electoral outcomes in the region.
Published – December 13, 2025 08:40 pm IST
