Congress Eyes Opportunity Amid Rift in Kerala BJP After Palakkad By-Poll Loss

GG News Bureau
Palakkad, 26th Nov. After the BJP’s defeat in the Palakkad Assembly by-poll, tensions within the party have sparked political maneuvering, with the Congress extending an open invitation to discontented BJP leaders to join its ranks.

The Palakkad Municipality, governed by the BJP, witnessed open criticism from its chairperson and several councillors over the selection of C Krishnakumar as the party’s candidate. This discord prompted the Congress to seize the moment, offering a platform for BJP members dissatisfied with Hindutva to embrace Congress ideology.

Palakkad MP V K Sreekandan and DCC president A Thankappan, speaking to the media, welcomed the idea but clarified that no formal talks had taken place with BJP councillors. “We will consider this only if they explicitly renounce BJP’s ideology and express faith in Congress,” said Thankappan, adding that while the party is self-sufficient, genuine interest in joining would not be ignored.

Meanwhile, BJP’s Krishnakumar downplayed the controversy, attributing initial outbursts to emotional reactions. “There are no differences in the party now. Any issues will be resolved internally,” he assured.

BJP National Council member N Sivarajan echoed these remarks, dismissing reports of resentment and the Congress’s overtures as speculative.

Mounting Pressure on BJP Leadership
The by-poll results have fueled criticism against state BJP president K Surendran, who has faced calls for introspection over candidate selection. Veteran leaders publicly questioned the choices made, citing a significant drop in the BJP’s vote share. Despite this, Surendran, backed by the national leadership, has taken moral responsibility for the loss, rejecting rumors about his resignation.

By-Poll Results Reflect Changing Dynamics
The Congress’s Mamkootathil secured victory with 58,389 votes (42.27%), followed by BJP’s Krishnakumar with 39,549 votes (28.63%). CPI(M)-backed P Sarin garnered 37,293 votes (27%).

As the political climate in Kerala continues to evolve, the fallout from the Palakkad by-poll underscores the challenges within the BJP while presenting a strategic opening for its rivals.