Cracks are widening within Kerala's major political parties, with the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF), the opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the BJP all facing criticism from within their own ranks. From questions over government appointments to public attacks on senior leaders and allegations of financial irregularities, internal disagreements have increasingly spilled into the open.

The latest flashpoints come as the Congress-led UDF grapples with growing unease over key government decisions, while the CPM-led LDF continues to face soul-searching after its Assembly election defeat. The BJP, meanwhile, is dealing with a separate organisational crisis over alleged misuse of election funds.

UDF faces questions over appointments and policy

The latest row in the UDF erupted after KSU state president Aloysius Xavier criticised the appointment of advocate Jayona James as a government pleader, pointing to her past association with the CPM's student wing, the Students' Federation of India (SFI), at Thiruvananthapuram Law College.

In a Facebook post, Xavier said there was no obligation to accommodate "every SFI activist". He alleged that James had been part of a group that repeatedly attacked KSU workers during her student days, while those who campaigned against the previous Left government were now being overlooked for government posts.

He also claimed that repeated attempts to raise the issue within the party had received no response, prompting him to speak out publicly.

The controversy adds to a series of disagreements within the Congress. Veteran leader V.M. Sudheeran had earlier urged Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan to withdraw Budget proposals on tax cuts for low-alcohol beverages and private participation in mineral sand mining. Satheesan also faced criticism over using his full legal name while taking the constitutional oath, while the appointment of N. Seshadrinathan as State Election Commissioner drew objections from some party leaders over the decision-making process.

CPM leadership criticised at DYFI conference

The CPM also came under pressure from within during the DYFI's Kottayam district conference, where delegates openly blamed senior leaders for the LDF's Assembly election defeat.

Former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CPM state secretary M.V. Govindan and Kannur district secretary K.K. Ragesh were criticised during the discussions. Delegates said Vijayan's public conduct had hurt the party's image, while Govindan was accused of failing to connect with ordinary people. Some also blamed the leadership for the party's losses in traditional strongholds, including Payyanur and Taliparamba.

Delegates further questioned why DYFI All India leader A.A. Rahim, now 46, continues in the organisation despite age-limit norms being enforced for younger office-bearers.

BJP investigates fund misuse claims

The BJP is facing its own internal crisis after allegations of large-scale financial irregularities involving funds meant for the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.

Internal complaints allege that nearly Rs 12 crore in campaign funds cannot be accounted for. The allegations include fake rental vehicle claims, forged trip sheets and questionable spending on chartered helicopters and digital media campaigns.

The party's central leadership has ordered a full audit and initiated disciplinary action against three state-level office-bearers as it investigates the allegations.