Recent visit of Sonia Gandhi in Kerala has lead to a heated debate in political circles. She criticized the policy of CPM ruling Kerala government. Never like before she questioned and warned CPM that the latter’s support to UPA government didn't mean the party could do anything as they like in Kerala. 

Her talk has won laurels from both minority and majority communities especially in the time of educational reforms. She accused the state government for politicizing educational sector. She also criticized CPM for high jacking police force. All the Congress workers and public turned around the central stadium welcomed her speech with a big applaud. Sonia’s earlier speech had not criticized CPM. 

Even political think-tanks always defined her stand as a soft corner. But this time she really spoke politics. Actually she reciprocated to C.P.M general secretary Prakash Karat's Kottayam speech. Now the question is whether the Congress party can move with more unity and more excitement? She urged the party workers to stand united against the misgovernment of Kerala government. 

State congress leaders have mentioned that the party would not be same as before Sonia's arrival. This means party rank and file would strike against Kerala government's policy. Coming days, Kerala would witness wide protests, if Sonia's arrival had motivated party men. Leader K. Karunakaran's influence also makes party more active, according to some Congress leaders. 

Meanwhile CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan and Chief minister V.S. Achuthanadan retaliated to Sonia's statement the next day. This means the war of words has begun already in either direction. CPI leader Veliyam Bhargavan also criticized Sonia Gandhi’s statement.  

K.P.C.C president Ramesh Chennithala and legislator party vice chairman G. Karthikeyan reiterated CPM, CPI leaders’ statement against Sonia. LDF convener Vaikkom Viswam has defended against Sonia's speech by saying central governemnt was ignoring Sonia's strong stand against C.P.M which has its eyes on the next parliamentary election. 

When Sonia Gandhi has given green signal to party cadres to become more active in ante-government fight, Congress leaders in Kerala should plan a massive protest against L.D.F government. CPM has also become more energetic after its party conference in Kottayam. Party would concentrate campaign against central ministry. Congress would campaign more aggressively for massive public support against the state government. Price rise of essential commodities, land mafia; educational reforms etc will become main campaign issues. 

On the other side, CPM will target Central government for the alleged negligence towards state government, non co-operation in increasing rice quota in reduced rate, not controlling petrol price hike etc. Kerala would witness more controversy and heated debates over Sonia's speech and its reaction.
 

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