KC(M) faces crisis in Idukki after poll debacle

Idukki, a hilly district that is home to settler farmers, has historically been a stronghold for the Kerala Congress (M) [KC(M)]. However, the party faced a major setback in the recent local body elections.

According to election data, the KC(M), a constituent of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), contested in 187 seats across municipalities, district panchayats, block panchayats, and grama panchayats, but could secure only 50 seats. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), on the other hand, secured a clear mandate in the district.

KC(M) district president Jose Palathinal said that though the party won only one-fourth of the seats it contested, it is not necessarily a setback. “During the election campaign, sentiments were favourable to us. We suspect the loss was due to people’s anger against the State government,” said Mr. Palathinal.

“As part of the LDF, the KC(M) received full support and carried out many developmental activities in the district and intervened in land and people’s issues in Idukki,” said Mr. Palathinal.

Meanwhile, the rival Kerala Congress faction led by P.J. Joseph claimed a major victory in the local body elections.

M.J. Jacob, district president of Joseph faction, stated that the party contested 162 seats and won 117 in the district.

“Election results show that the KC(M) has lost all its influence in the district. The UDF has gained the upper hand in eight gramma panchayats and Kattappana municipality, a part of the Idukki Assembly constituency which is represented by Water Resources Minister and KC(M) leader Roshy Augustine,” said Mr. Jacob. “Many KC(M) workers have evinced interest in joining our party,” he added.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) general secretary Ibrahimkutty Kallar said the KC(M)’s election setback demonstrates that its traditional followers are not supportive of the LDF government’s policies.

“The votes from KC(M) followers in the district significantly contributed to UDF’s victory in Idukki, as their original supporters are rooted in Congress culture and struggle to adapt to LDF culture in the long-term,” said Mr. Kallar.

In the 2025 local body elections, the UDF won the Kattappana and Thodupuzha municipalities, the Idukki district panchayat, and the Idukki block panchayat. Crucially, out of the 52 grama panchayats, the UDF emerged victorious in 36.