With the counting of votes in the 2026 Assembly elections just a day away, the spotlight has once again turned to the divided, yet influential, Kerala Congress camp, where the verdict could shape not only electoral fortunes but also the future clout, relevance and survival of its competing factions.

This election is especially crucial for Kerala Congress (M), headed by Jose K. Mani, who crossed over to the Left Democratic Front (LDF) ahead of the 2021 Assembly polls after his dramatic exit from the United Democratic Front (UDF). That move reshaped Kerala’s coalition arithmetic, but the political gamble remains unfinished. A second consecutive defeat for Mr. Mani in Pala could deal a serious blow to his leadership and reopen uncomfortable questions about the party’s future direction.