As the Grand Old Party prepares for the upcoming Assembly elections, it grapples with the challenge of contesting without the magnetic appeal of late Oommen Chandy, a figure who dominated Kerala politics for over two decades. Since his passing in 2023, the Congress party has been searching for a leader of comparable stature to fill the void left by Chandy.
The memorial service held on Friday for the former Chief Minister served as a poignant reminder of the lack of a leader who could command the same level of respect and adoration from the electorate.
In a recent interview, KK Shailaja, a prominent Congress leader from Kerala, acknowledged the significance of Chandy’s legacy but emphasized that the party must look forward and not dwell on the past. “Oommen Chandy was an exceptional leader, and his influence will always be felt,” she said. “However, we must focus on the present and prepare for the future.”
Shailaja has been a key figure in the Congress party in Kerala, serving as Minister for Health and Social Welfare during the UDF government’s tenure from 2016 to 2021. Her leadership skills have earned her widespread respect within the party and beyond.
While the Congress party is still searching for a leader who can fill Chandy’s shoes, it remains to be seen if they will find someone who can match his charisma and connect with the electorate as effectively as he did.
Meanwhile, the BJP, which has been gaining ground in Kerala, is eagerly awaiting the Congress’s choice for their leader. The saffron party believes that the absence of a strong figurehead could potentially weaken the Congress’s chances in the 2026 Assembly elections.
As the clock ticks closer to the election date, all eyes will be on the Congress party to see how they plan to navigate this challenging period without their legendary leader. The stakes are high for both the party and the state, as Kerala’s political landscape could undergo a significant shift in 2026.
