Nearly four years after joining hands with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], former senior Congress leader K.V. Thomas, who has been Kerala’s Special Representative with Cabinet rank in New Delhi, speaks to The Hindu on a range of developmental and political issues that are likely to be keenly discussed ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Kerala.
How satisfied are you with the duties assigned to you during the last four years?
I was appointed as Kerala’s Special Representative in New Delhi at a time when Centre-State relations, especially with non-BJP-ruled States, had hit a new low, with the Centre brazenly undermining the federal structure. However, Kerala was able to successfully liaise with various Union Ministries in implementing infrastructure development projects, including national highway development in Kerala. Nevertheless, some projects are still pending, including the proposed semi-high-speed rail project and an AIIMS. The State has also been pushed to the brink of a financial crisis for political reasons.
Kerala is heading for an Assembly election. How likely is a third term for the Left government in the present milieu?
I was with the Congress for decades and have actively engaged with different political parties at the State and Central levels over the years. From my experience, there is no leader in the Opposition ranks in Kerala who matches the stature of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The Congress in Kerala is a divided house, and the Congress High Command has little control over developments in the State. Moreover, after (AICC general secretary) K.C. Venugopal was elevated to party affairs in Delhi, the High Command has been unable to effectively address organisational issues in Kerala. Hence, there is a good chance for the Left to return to power if the Left Democratic Front is led by Mr. Vijayan.
The recently concluded local body elections saw minorities distancing themselves from the Left. Your comment?
We cannot predict the outcome of Assembly elections based solely on local body election results. Several factors influence local body polls. Moreover, Mr. Vijayan is one of the most approachable Chief Ministers for minority communities in Kerala after the late Congress Chief Minister K. Karunakaran. Recently, he was invited to Rome to meet the Pope in March (2026). E.K. Nayanar was the previous CPI(M) Chief Minister who received such an invitation. Therefore, it does not mean that minorities are completely against the Left.
You have not taken CPI(M) membership even after aligning with the Left for over four years. Will you contest the Assembly elections as a Left candidate?
I am still a Congressman. When I joined hands with the CPI(M), senior leaders such as (the late) Sitaram Yechury and (the late) Kodiyeri Balakrishnan insisted that I formally join the party. However, Mr. Vijayan took the position that there was no need for me to join the party to work with them. Contesting the Assembly elections as a Left Independent or as a party candidate is a matter for the CPI(M) to decide, considering various factors. As of now, I remain a Congressman and maintain good relations with leaders across party lines. Even after distancing myself from the Congress, I remain in regular touch with Sonia Gandhi, who recently called me when my wife passed away. I also share a good rapport with senior RSS leaders, including RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.
How will the BJP’s electoral performance influence the prospects of the Left and the Congress-led Opposition front in the upcoming Assembly elections?
The BJP’s performance will certainly have a bearing on the prospects of candidates from both fronts. However, it is difficult to predict which front will benefit or suffer, as the dynamics vary from constituency to constituency. The Left may benefit in some constituencies, while the Opposition may gain an advantage in others.
What about the BJP’s prospects in Kerala?
I do not think they are very serious about Kerala. How can a party win the hearts of the people of Kerala after turning down their legitimate demands for political reasons?
