Are Congress Leaders in Kerala Alarmed by Leaked Audio Predicting Third Term for Left?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Leaked audio reveals internal strife
- Predictions of a Left government in 2026
- Need for Congress unity emphasized
- Palode Ravi's mixed electoral history
- Implications for future elections
Thiruvananthapuram, July 26 (NationPress) Senior Congress leaders are taken aback following the surfacing of a leaked audio in which a prominent party figure discusses the likelihood of the CPI-M-led Left securing a third consecutive term in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.
The audio features Palode Ravi, the president of the Thiruvananthapuram District Congress and a former legislator, conversing with party worker Jaleel.
In the recording, Ravi expresses his concern that the Congress party is on a path to failure, citing a complete lack of coordination among senior leaders and ongoing internal disputes between various factions.
“Mark my words, in the forthcoming local body elections, the Congress will find itself third, and in the 2026 Assembly polls, the BJP is poised to bolster its vote count in approximately 60 Assembly seats through vote-buying. Consequently, the CPI-M-led Left will likely take the reins of government for a third consecutive term,” stated Ravi.
Sunny Joseph, the state Congress president, has indicated that he will reach out to Ravi to discuss the situation further.
Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan avoided addressing the issue, noting he has yet to hear the content of the recording and thus cannot comment.
Meanwhile, Ravi downplayed the situation, asserting that his remarks were intended to convey the necessity for unity within the party.
“I aimed to remind all party members in my district that we need to exert ourselves to strengthen our party from the grassroots level. The core message was received by our workers. Moreover, the audio reflects only fragments of my conversation,” explained Ravi.
At 76, Ravi has a mixed electoral history with three victories and three defeats in his Assembly campaigns and is regarded as a close ally of seasoned Congress leader A.K. Antony.