The Congress is grappling with a deepening internal crisis in the Payyannur and Taliparamba Assembly constituencies ahead of elections as dissent within party ranks threatens to disrupt the campaign cohesion.

In Payyannur, former Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leader V. Kunhikrishnan has refused to attend the United Democratic Front committee meetings, reportedly fearing that such participation could cost him potential CPI(M) votes. His position has drawn criticism from within the Congress, with party leaders viewing it as a setback to coordinated election efforts.

Adding to the unease, Youth Congress workers have intensified their demand to field Kannur district vice-president Farzin Majeed. A meeting chaired by the District Congress Committee president was held in Payyannur to resolve the issue.

In Taliparamba, the party faces a similar rebellion, with sections opposing the decision to support T.K. Govindan. A faction within the party has called for the candidature of Youth Congress district president Vigil Mohanan, reflecting growing dissatisfaction at the grassroots.

Mr. Mohanan said there was increasing demand locally for an official party candidate. He added that no formal discussion or announcement had been made regarding the candidature in the constituency.

An emergency meeting of the Youth Congress constituency committee has been convened for Saturday to deliberate on the issue, even as the party leadership moves to contain the dissent and maintain unity.