Internal Strife Erupts in Keralas UDF as Leader Criticizes Chief Minister

Thiruvananthapuram, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : The internal discord within Kerala’s ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) became apparent on November 10, 2026. Senior Congress leader and UDF convenor Adur Prakash launched a sharp critique against Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, revealing factional tensions just six months after the coalition returned to power.

Prakash first expressed his dissatisfaction in October, during Satheesan’s fifth month in office. He publicly accused the government of making significant decisions without consulting him and raised concerns about the lack of regular UDF meetings.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Prakash intensified his criticism. When asked about the internal conflict and the absence of UDF meetings, he suggested that such questions should be directed to Chief Minister Satheesan, who serves as the coalition’s president.

Addressing queries related to the cabinet’s unity and collective responsibility, Prakash sarcastically remarked that evidence of the cabinet’s cohesion is evident daily. He advised reporters to directly ask cabinet ministers if they were unhappy with the Chief Minister’s unilateral decision-making approach, adding that more information would soon come to light.

This public dispute highlights ongoing challenges related to consultation, communication, and administrative coordination within the Congress-led coalition, which has returned to power after a decade in opposition.

The current situation contrasts sharply with the tenure of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, during which such open dissent within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) was rare.

Political analysts suggest that managing the coalition’s dynamics and internal rivalries will pose a significant challenge for Chief Minister Satheesan. The emergence of internal strife early in his term could threaten the stability of his government.