THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Buoyed by its resounding victories in Karnataka and Telangana, the Congress party is preparing a massive strategic blueprint to reclaim power in Kerala. Aiming to break the “LDF continue-rule” streak, the party leadership has decided to implement the same “Guarantee Model” and grassroots organizational tactics that successfully uprooted the opposition in neighbouring southern states.
The ‘Guarantee’ Power Play
Following the recent gains in the local body elections, the United Democratic Front (UDF) led by Congress believes that a welfare-centric campaign is the key to winning over the Kerala electorate. In Karnataka and Telangana, the Congress’s promise of “Five Guarantees”—including free electricity, financial aid for women, and food security—resonated deeply with the common man. Sources indicate that a similar set of localized “Kerala Guarantees” is being drafted to tackle the current anti-incumbency sentiment against the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government.
Micro-Level Management
The Congress high command has instructed to focus on “micro-booth management.” This strategy, which was the backbone of their Telangana win, involves strengthening the party at the booth level and ensuring that every voter is reached through door-to-door campaigning. By shifting from high-decibel rallies to personal voter connections, the party hopes to neutralize the organizational strength of the CPI(M).
Uniting the Ranks
A crucial lesson from Karnataka was the importance of leadership unity. The Congress intends to present a united front in Kerala, bridging internal gaps between senior leaders to project a stable alternative to the LDF. The strategy also includes a massive digital campaign to highlight the state’s fiscal crisis and governance issues, mirroring the successful “PayCM” and “60% Commission” campaigns used in Karnataka.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the 2026 Assembly Elections on the horizon, the Congress is leaving no stone unturned. By blending the social welfare promises of its “Telangana Model” with the aggressive grassroots campaigning of its “Karnataka Model,” the party is confident that the UDF can return to the corridors of power in the Secretariat.
