Ramesh Chennithala, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and candidate from Haripad, has labeled allegations of a Congress-BJP alliance in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections as absurd. He highlighted that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims for a Congress-free India, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeks to maintain his government, suggesting their interests do not align. Chennithala accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] of colluding with the BJP during the 2021 elections, which he claims led to the Left front's re-election. He also criticized the current government's handling of key issues, including welfare pensions, stating that the Congress would increase the pension to ₹3,000 if they come to power. The Sabarimala temple controversy, particularly regarding the gold theft case, remains a critical issue for voters, with Chennithala asserting that the government has failed to act against those involved. He further noted that the health and education sectors have deteriorated under the Left Democratic Front (LDF) rule, contributing to the youth exodus from the state. Chennithala confirmed that decisions on leadership within the Cabinet would ultimately be made by the Congress high command, and he assured that housing for Wayanad landslide victims is underway despite previous delays.