The post-poll phase of Kerala Congress (Mani) [KC(M)] following an electoral rout appears to be moving quickly from reflection to rupture, with internal dissent and electoral disappointment setting the tone for a meeting of the party steering committee on Saturday (May 9, 2026).

The crisis has deepened within KC(M) in the aftermath of the party’s dismal performance in the 2026 Assembly elections, where the regional party failed to win even a single seat from the 12 it contested under the LDF banner. However, it is the third consecutive defeat in Pala that has delivered the sharper political sting. The contrast with the Kerala Congress faction led by P. J. Joseph, which secured seven seats, has only left the party red-faced.

A growing section of leaders is admitting that the results have inflicted serious damage on cadre morale, while also triggering a wider debate on the party’s political identity. Many argue that KC(M) has steadily diluted its independent space after aligning with the LDF and that a crucial opportunity to reconsider its alignment ahead of the polls was lost. It is in this charged atmosphere that the intervention of State committee member Jayakrishnan Puthiyedath has acquired significance.

Puthiyedath’s defiance

Mr. Puthiyedath, who accused Roshy Augustine of blocking a potential shift back to the UDF, was expelled from the party on charges of indiscipline. However, he has refused to accept the decision, insisting that only the party chairman has the authority to remove him, thereby escalating what was already an internal rift into an open challenge to organisational authority.

“A four member caucus led by Mr. Augustine sidelined senior leaders and paralysed organisational activity in the district, virtually hijacking the party. The Minister’s setback even in his own booth was solely because he refused to acknowledge the anti-incumbency sentiment. Within party committees, the district leadership made concerted efforts to suppress and expel those who voiced dissent,” he alleged.

He has further warned that more workers will resign in the coming days and claimed that consultations are under way to decide the next course of action.

Meanwhile, unease within the organisation is also being linked to strained equations with sections of the Christian Church leadership. While KC(M) has traditionally drawn strength from influential church groups in central Travancore and had the advantage of support from the Pinarayi Vijayan government, party insiders concede that this alignment did not translate into electoral dividends this time.

Key discussions

Party chairman Jose K. Mani, however, has sought to contain the narrative, denying any suggestion of internal collapse in the wake of the election defeat. “Our party steering committee will be held on May 9, where all the factors will be discussed. After all parties complete their meetings, the LDF will hold discussions again after June 15, during which other decisions will be taken,” he said.

Dismissing speculation of a merger with UDF ally Kerala Congress (Joseph), Mr. Mani took a pointed swipe at political commentary around the issue. “A few months back, when they were in crisis, I had offered them help. Their statement now is made on the assumption that we are in crisis. But I want to openly say that we have no crisis and we will go forward,” he said.