In Kerala, a long-standing tradition of power shifts every five years was disrupted by Chief Minister P. Vijayan five years ago, when his Left Democratic Front (LDF) coalition retained power in 2021. This led to expectations from both Congress and BJP for a potential change in government, as they believe the time may be ripe for a reversal after the LDF's decade-long rule. Rahul Gandhi previously campaigned heavily in Kerala, leveraging his position as MP from Wayanad, which became crucial for his political career after his loss in Amethi during the 2019 elections.

As Congress prepares for the upcoming assembly elections, it sees a significant opportunity for a comeback in Kerala. However, there is a competitive race among party members for the Chief Minister candidacy, reflecting the internal dynamics and aspirations within Congress. Although Rahul Gandhi remains a central figure, the position has become competitive, especially with his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, now having taken over the Wayanad constituency after winning the recent by-election, despite her focusing on the Assam assembly elections rather than her home state.

The political landscape in Kerala is thus heating up as various factions within Congress vie for leadership, amidst growing anticipation regarding the electorate's response. As the state gears up for elections, the rivalry between Congress and LDF, alongside the growing presence of BJP, indicates significant shifts in voter sentiments that may come into play in the near future.