Survey teams working for the Congress, including those led by political strategist Sunil Kanugolu, are currently in Kerala to gauge the political climate ahead of the upcoming local body elections. Sources indicate that these teams began their visits as early as the first week of December. With Kerala's assembly elections slated for 2026, the Congress High Command is reportedly considering utilising Kanugolu’s expertise for those polls as well.
Interestingly, the operations of these teams have been shrouded in secrecy, with even Congress leaders in Kerala kept in the dark. The teams are engaging with voters and local leaders across party lines to understand grassroots-level issues, political trends, and socio-religious dynamics.
THE WEEK spoke to an LDF activist from Central Travancore who interacted with one such team in December. According to him, the survey team refrained from disclosing that they work for the Congress and focused on a wide range of topics, including the likelihood of LDF ally Kerala Congress (M) returning to the UDF fold. The teams also inquired about the influence of various political parties in panchayats and the role of religious groups, church denominations, and community organisations in deciding the voting pattern in the region. The team also queried what LDF considers as their weakness in the region. The LDF activist said after interaction with him, the team proceeded to talk to a BJP leader from the region.
The findings from these surveys will be submitted to the Congress High Command. In July 2024, during a two-day conclave in Wayanad, the Congress leadership resolved to prepare systematically for the 2025 local body elections. The strategy involved highlighting local issues and critiquing state and central government policies. Inputs from Kanugolu’s teams are expected to significantly shape this roadmap.
However, the Congress in Kerala now finds itself on the defensive following the suicide of Wayanad DCC treasurer N.M. Vijayan. The incident has led to Kerala Police filing abetment to suicide charges against Congress MLA I.C. Balakrishnan and Wayanad DCC president N.D. Appachan, casting a shadow over the party’s preparations for the elections.
