In a shocking political development, the Congress has reportedly crossed a red line by openly collaborating with Jamaat‑e‑Islamim a banned, anti‑national organisation to secure victory in the Nilambur assembly by‑election. This alliance not only undercuts the party’s hollow claims of constitutionalism and secularism, but also underlines how far it is willing to go to retain relevance ahead of Kerala’s 2026 assembly polls.
Congress Courts a Banned Outfit for Votes
Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar launched a blistering attack on Wednesday, charging the Congress with “shameless and opportunistic politics” for aligning with Jamaat‑e‑Islami in Nilambur. Addressing the media, he stated “Congress openly and formally took support from Jamaat‑e‑Islami in Nilambur by‑election and won. On one hand they preach Constitution and secularism; on the other, they indulge in opportunism with anti‑national parties.”
Chandrasekhar accused the Congress of underestimating the gravity of partnering with a group that rejects India’s constitutional ethos, characterising it as a blatant appeal to communal vote‑banks. He added that senior Congress leadership has consistently downplayed the dangers posed by extreme organisations citing past instances where the party blamed the RSS after the 26/11 attacks and referred to Pahalgam violence as consequences of repealing Article 370.
These remarks reflect a deep distrust of the Congress’s professed commitment to national interest, suggesting that its alliances are driven purely by electoral arithmetic rather than values.
Jamaat‑e‑Islami: Banned, Dangerous, and Anti‑National
The Ministry of Home Affairs declared Jamaat‑e‑Islami an unlawful association under the UAPA in 2019. In February 2024, the ban was renewed until 2029, following Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement that the outfit continues to act “against the security, integrity and sovereignty of the nation.”
Jamaat‑e‑Islami has been known to promote Islamic governance and reject secular principles. It has religiously opposed India’s constitutional framework and has been flagged by security agencies for extremist views. Even former Congress chief minister Oommen Chandy reportedly described it as too radical to be accepted in mainstream politics.
Despite its banned status and extremist ideology, the Congress reportedly sought its public support in Nilambur raising serious national security and ethical concerns.
Nilambur By‑Poll: What Triggered the Alliance?
The Nilambur seat became vacant following the resignation of the sitting MLA ahead of the 2026 state elections. In an intense contest to retain the constituency, the Congress candidate emerged victorious securing a major morale boost.
However, the BJP and Left parties claim this win was aided by concerted support from Jamaat‑e‑Islami and its Welfare Party political wing. CPM State Secretary MV Govindan commented that the Congress “benefited from the backing of communal forces,” warning that such alliances would have “long‑term consequences for the state’s secular ethos.”
For the Congress, this alliance appears to be a desperate measure to retain Kerala’s turbulent political ground, but critics argue it seriously undermines their ideological credibility.
Desperate Measures Ahead of 2026 Assembly Polls
With Kerala riding a decade-long anti‑Congress wave, the party is increasingly resorting to questionable tactics. Analysts suggest the Nilambur strategy signals panic and strategic missteps contradicting their promises of inclusive governance.
As the 2026 polls draw near, Congress is struggling to secure stable alliances. Its ideological drift evident in embracing banned outfits like Jamaat‑e‑Islami is exposing deeper fractures. Meanwhile, BJP and Left accuse the Congress of abandoning constitutional values in pursuit of short-term electoral gains.
Congress faces an uphill battle, and its alignment with extremist groups may repel moderate sections of voters, while failing to secure substantial support from its hard core base.
A Crisis of Credibility
The Congress’s overt engagement with Jamaat‑e‑Islami in Nilambur signals a disturbing trend: the party is prepared to compromise constitutional ideals for survival. Aligning with a banned extremist outfit undermines its credibility and exposes it to accusations of appeasement and opportunism.
As Kerala heads into a crucial electoral battle, voters deserve clarity about where parties stand whether on the side of India’s Constitution, or on the wrong side of national interest. The Congress must choose between electoral expediency and principled leadership; the people of Kerala and India are watching.
