Wayanad:AICC general secretary K C Venugopal on Sunday asked Congress leaders to avoid making public claims about their candidature for the upcoming Assembly elections and instead wait for the party’s official decision.
Addressing the inaugural session ofLakshya 2026, a two-day leadership camp held at Sultan Bathery as part of the party’s poll preparations, Venugopal said discussions with the party leadership are permitted but should not be taken to public platforms.
“Leaders are free to convey their demands and views to the leadership, but issues related to candidature must not be discussed in public forums,” he said.
Venugopal noted that the Congress-led UDF is preparing to take on both the CPI(M) and the BJP, describing them as common political opponents. He said the outcome of the recent local body elections has strengthened the party’s confidence to effectively counter both rivals.
The AICC leader said the electoral success should encourage humility among Congress leaders and workers. Emphasising the role of voters in a democracy, he urged the party to intensify political outreach and strengthen public engagement in the coming months.
He also remarked that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s assertion about securing a third consecutive term has been weakened following the local body election results, though he cautioned that the CPI(M) leadership would continue its political manoeuvring.
Venugopal alleged that a tacit understanding exists between the CPI(M) and the BJP, claiming recent developments and the state government’s urgency in certain central projects indicate such coordination. He said the alleged alignment serves the interests of select leaders in both parties and is likely to continue into the Assembly elections.
Lakshya 2026is being organised to chart the Congress’s strategy for the Assembly polls and has drawn participation from senior leaders, including KPCC office-bearers, MPs, MLAs and heads of affiliated organisations.
Venugopal also said the Congress plans to announce its candidates well before the election notification and begin campaign activities early. He recalled a recent statement by the Leader of the Opposition that 50 per cent of the party’s candidates would be women and young leaders.
