In cinema, sports, or politics, success often leads to repetition—tried-and-tested formulas are recycled in the relentless pursuit of victory. However, ignoring the context in which these winning strategies were formed can lead to unexpected repercussions.
When the Congress swiftly declared its candidates for the Palakkad and Chelakkara bypolls just hours after the elections were announced, the party was following a template that had worked successfully in the Thrikkakara and Puthupally bypolls. But there is a critical difference—those bypolls were caused by the passing of sitting MLAs, and the seats were naturally passed on to their kin, allowing the party to tap into the emotional wave of public sympathy. In those cases, even if other leaders in the party had their eyes on the seats, they were not in a position to rebel against fielding Uma Thomas, wife of the late P.T. Thomas, in Thrikkakara, or Chandy Oommen, son of the late Oommen Chandy, in Puthupally.
In contrast, the Chelakkara and Palakkad seats became vacant after their incumbents K. Radhakrishnan of CPI(M) and Shafi Parambil of Congress successfully contested the Lok Sabha elections, presenting a different political landscape. Yet, Congress stuck to its formula, swiftly declaring Youth Congress state president Rahul Mankoottathil for Palakkad and former MP Remya Haridas for Chelakkara, signalling that the party was united and charging ahead into the electoral fray.
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However, within 12 hours, this swift move hit an unexpected snag when civil-servant-turned-politician Dr P. Sarin—who had clearly been eyeing the seat—publicly opposed Mankoottathil's candidature, exposing internal party dissent to the public.
Sarin, an MBBS doctor who secured the 555th rank in the civil services examination, had served as the deputy accountant general of Kerala and Karnataka. He resigned from the civil service in 2016 to pursue a full-time career in politics. In 2021, Congress fielded him in the Ottapalam constituency, which also falls under the Palakkad Lok Sabha seat. Although Sarin lost by 15,152 votes, he did increase Congress's vote share by 3.05 per cent.
Last year, Sarin was appointed as the party’s digital media convenor after Anil Antony, son of veteran leader A.K. Antony, was removed from the position. Anil soon left Congress and joined the BJP. Now, Sarin, who led the digital media cell, is on the verge of exiting the party after openly opposing Mankoottathil’s candidature, a move that KPCC has deemed as defiance against AICC itself. Sarin demanded a reconsideration of Mankoottathil's nomination, sarcastically stating that "going to jail is not the only form of commitment" and mocking that "some think putting Insta reels and statuses alone would make them popular." He also wrote to the Congress leadership, asking for a re-evaluation of the Palakkad seat.
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Sarin indirectly criticised Parambil, suggesting that Mankoottathil’s candidacy was a result of Parambil's insistence, adding that the party shouldn’t be held hostage to the interests of a single person. He even referenced concerns about a "Haryana repeat" in Palakkad, alluding to the BJP’s recent growth in the constituency. In 2021, the BJP increased its vote share from 19.86 per cent in 2011 to 35.34 per cent, and it has controlled the Palakkad municipality since 2015.
Notably, Sarin’s comments hint at possible talks with the CPI(M). He remarked that even if the CPI(M) fields a kuttichhool (broomstick), their cadres would still vote for it. Sarin made a declaration that the BJP will not win Palakkad this time whatsoever. But when questioned by media about whether this implied a CPI(M)-backed candidate might win Palakkad, Sarin gave a cryptic response, fuelling speculation about his potential candidacy with CPI(M) support. Though Sarin tried to frame his outburst as representing many within the Congress, his motives were transparent—it was evident he was speaking for himself.
Meanwhile, Rahul Mankoottathil made a tactical yet measured response to the controversy. He referred to Sarin as a friend and described him as someone with "ideological clarity," though it remains to be seen whether Sarin's ideological stance will shift.
Interestingly, Mankoottathil addressed the media alongside A.K. Antony. When Anil Antony left the party, A.K. Antony had expressed his anguish and disappointment. Now, with another leader—who had succeeded his son’s position—raising a rebellion, Antony remarked that despite some individuals' dissatisfaction, Congress workers would stand by the AICC's decision. He also expressed confidence that the party would secure a hat-trick victory, winning in Palakkad, Chelakkara, and the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, where Priyanka Gandhi is contesting.
