Thu Jun 26 14:29:03 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, written from an Indian perspective, suitable for a publication like “The Hindu”:

**Kerala Congress (M) Mulls Alliance Shift Amid By-Election Setback**

**Kottayam, Kerala – June 26, 2025:** The Kerala Congress (M) (KC(M)) is at a critical juncture, with the party’s state secretariat scheduled to convene on Friday in Kottayam to discuss its future within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). While officially focused on preparations for upcoming local body elections, party insiders confirm that the recent disappointing performance in the Nilambur by-election is fueling a serious re-evaluation of its alliance strategy.

The loss in Nilambur has exposed deep-seated concerns among KC(M) leaders. Anti-incumbency sentiment and growing dissatisfaction among settler farmers, particularly regarding farm distress, frequent wildlife attacks, and unresolved land issues like the Munambam row, are threatening the party’s traditional vote base. A senior KC(M) leader acknowledged the need to renegotiate these issues if the party is to remain with the LDF.

However, leaving the LDF is not without its challenges. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), the dominant force in the LDF, has made considerable concessions, including granting a Rajya Sabha seat to KC(M) chairman Jose K. Mani, to maintain the alliance. With significant political capital already invested, the party leadership is approaching any potential shift with caution.

Despite this, pressure is mounting from within the KC(M) to leverage the current situation. Some factions are advocating for a demand for a larger share of seats in the upcoming local body elections as a means to revitalize the party’s grassroots strength. The chairman’s position on this push remains uncertain.

The KC(M) is already initiating groundwork for its election campaign, with a particular focus on Central Travancore. Efforts are underway to address key local concerns such as flood mitigation and mitigating human-wildlife conflict in the high ranges. The party is also reportedly planning to nominate candidates with strong community connections and family ties to counter potential voter fatigue and anti-incumbency sentiment.

Meanwhile, the Congress party in Central Travancore has signaled its willingness to welcome the KC(M) back into the United Democratic Front (UDF). The Congress views the return of the KC(M) as essential for strengthening its position in Central Travancore and forging a deeper relationship with the Catholic Church, aiming to consolidate the Christian vote. The coming days will be crucial in determining the future political trajectory of the KC(M) and its impact on Kerala’s political landscape.

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