Senior Congress figure Mani Shankar Aiyar has ignited a political storm after openly criticising key leaders within his own party and questioning its electoral prospects in Kerala, exposing strains at a time when the organisation is seeking to project unity.During an interview with NDTV, the former Union Minister took aim at Shashi Tharoor, Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera, suggesting that internal messaging and leadership coherence remain weak. His comments, delivered in a characteristically blunt style, have triggered sharp responses from party loyalists and renewed debate about dissent within Congress as it prepares for the next Assembly election in Kerala, expected in 2026.
Aiyar, who has had a long and often contentious relationship with the party leadership, indicated that public positioning by certain leaders lacked strategic clarity. He appeared sceptical about the ability of Congress in Kerala to dislodge the Left Democratic Front government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Kerala has alternated between the Congress-led United Democratic Front and the CPI-headed LDF for decades, but the LDF broke that pattern in 2021 by retaining power for a second consecutive term.
Shashi Tharoor, a Lok Sabha member from Thiruvananthapuram and a former United Nations diplomat, has cultivated a national profile and previously contested the party presidency against Mallikarjun Kharge. Jairam Ramesh serves as the Congress general secretary in charge of communications, while Pawan Khera is a prominent spokesperson. Aiyar’s remarks were interpreted by some within the party as a swipe at what he perceives to be overexposure or inconsistent messaging by its public faces.
Congress leaders in Kerala have sought to downplay the controversy, emphasising that debate within the party has always been part of its democratic character. At the same time, senior figures privately acknowledge that repeated episodes of public dissent complicate efforts to present a disciplined front against both the Bharatiya Janata Party at the national level and regional rivals in the state.
Electoral arithmetic in Kerala remains challenging. Congress heads the United Democratic Front, which includes the Indian Union Muslim League and other regional allies. In the 2021 Assembly election, the UDF secured 41 of 140 seats, while the LDF won 99. The BJP, despite high-profile campaigns, failed to win a seat. Analysts note that Congress faces a dual task: consolidating minority and centrist voters while also addressing organisational fatigue after consecutive defeats.
Aiyar’s intervention comes against a backdrop of introspection within Congress following mixed performances in state elections across the country. Under Mallikarjun Kharge’s presidency and with Rahul Gandhi playing a central role in campaigns and outreach initiatives, the party has attempted to reframe its narrative around social justice, economic inequality and federal balance. The Bharat Jodo Yatra and subsequent mass contact programmes were designed to rebuild grassroots connections.
Yet factional tensions have not entirely subsided. In Kerala, Tharoor’s prominence has at times unsettled segments of the state leadership, particularly after he signalled openness to alternative development models and engaged in dialogue beyond traditional party forums. While he remains a member of the Congress Working Committee, his independent positioning has sparked speculation about his long-term ambitions.
Aiyar’s own record within Congress has been marked by controversy. He has previously faced disciplinary action for remarks seen as damaging to the party’s electoral prospects, including comments made during national campaigns that drew criticism from political opponents and prompted temporary suspension. Supporters argue that his candour reflects ideological conviction and long experience in diplomacy and governance; detractors contend that public airing of grievances undermines collective strategy.
Political observers say the episode underscores a broader tension within Congress between generational change and established voices. The party’s leadership has sought to balance experienced figures with younger entrants, while navigating alliances within the opposition bloc that includes regional parties with divergent priorities.
Kerala presents a distinctive political landscape. High literacy rates, strong civil society networks and a history of coalition politics mean that narratives around governance, welfare delivery and economic management carry weight. The LDF government has highlighted achievements in public health and social protection, while the UDF has focused on issues such as alleged financial mismanagement and corruption controversies involving state authorities.
For Congress, restoring credibility in the state will depend on organisational cohesion and a clear projection of leadership. Internal criticism, even when framed as constructive, risks diverting attention from campaign groundwork. Party strategists argue that unity and disciplined communication will be essential as preparations intensify over the next year.