Silence from Congress shifts focus to KC (M) in Pala impasse

As the Congress leadership remains conspicuously silent over the political crisis in the Pala municipality, the spotlight has shifted to the Kerala Congress (M), whose next move could determine the fate of the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) in the civic body.

The Left Democratic Front (LDF), particularly the CPI(M), has publicly ruled out any attempt to seize power by capitalising on the UDF’s internal turmoil. Behind the scenes, however, the Kerala Congress (M) is weighing its options and is learnt to be open to propping up a UDF administration, provided the Independent collective led by Binu Pulikkakandam is kept out of the power structure.

Rather than precipitating a fresh political battle through a no-confidence motion against the chairperson, the party is expected to bide its time until the Congress arrives at a politically workable formula. Among the options under discussion is the possibility of installing a Congress rebel as chairperson, with the Kerala Congress (M) extending outside support.

“Supporting a Congress rebel relieves the party of the burden of joining hands with Congress and the UDF while remaining true to our chairman’s stand that ‘Pala will not be left orphaned’,” pointed out a leader. Party insiders say such an arrangement would also advance the Kerala Congress (M)’s long-term objective of preventing the Independent collective from gaining a foothold in the municipality’s leadership.

Congress’ stance

Even as political equations continue to shift, the Congress leadership has remained a mute spectator. Two days after local Congress leaders announced the withdrawal of support, neither the District Congress Committee (DCC) nor the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has initiated efforts to broker peace. Local Congress leaders, however, continue to pin their hopes on an intervention by the KPCC to salvage the situation.

There is also concern within the revolting Congress councillors that the confrontation could lose momentum following Mr. Pulikkakandam’s assertion that the Independent collective has no plans to align with any political front outside the UDF.

When differences surfaced within the UDF a month ago, the DCC had entrusted its vice-president, Biju Punnathanam, with the task of mediating between the rival camps. After marathon discussions, he brokered a compromise under which Mr. Pulikkakandam would not be considered for the post of vice-Chairperson, while Congress rebel Maya Rahul would continue in the office. The Independent collective had accepted the arrangement.

That fragile consensus now appears to have unravelled and has left the district Congress leadership under mounting pressure as local leaders across factional lines close ranks and demand decisive action against the Independent collective.