Antony Urges Congress Leaders to Focus on Kerala Local Body Elections Over Future CM Race
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Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 9 (NationPress) In a rare public statement, seasoned Congress leader and ex-Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Thursday emphasized the importance of directing attention towards the local body elections that are approaching, rather than the Assembly elections scheduled for 2026 in Kerala.
The Congress party within the state is currently embroiled in internal strife, with various factions led by prominent figures such as the Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V.D. Satheesan, his predecessor Ramesh Chennithala, and the supporters of AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, all vying for dominance. As the elections draw near, these leaders are engaged in disputes regarding the potential candidate for the Chief Minister position for the 2026 Assembly elections.
In addition to these key personalities, the state party president and Kannur Lok Sabha member, K. Sudhakaran, also commands a faction. Though his health issues have led him to withdraw from the CM race, he remains strategically involved.
Currently, these individuals are at the helm of the Congress party in Kerala, and the 84-year-old Antony did not hold back his thoughts during a party gathering. He stated that the priority should be the upcoming local body elections.
“You all must strive diligently to ensure victory in the local body elections scheduled for later this year. Let’s not overly focus on the 2026 Assembly elections. The immediate goal is to excel in the local body contests,” Antony remarked.
“This is merely my advice, and those who wish to heed it may do so, as my role has diminished in the current dynamics of the party, with leadership in the hands of individuals like Satheesan and Sudhakaran…” Antony added.
Although Antony has largely retreated from active politics due to his age and declining health, he makes it a point to visit the state party headquarters almost daily in the evenings.
The three-time former Chief Minister has been more reserved since his elder son Anil Antony joined the BJP in 2023.
