Kerala's local body elections in December energized the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). UDF secured 38.81% of votes, beating the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front's (LDF) 33.45%. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) got 14.76%. Congress alone took 29.17%, ahead of CPI(M)'s 27.16%. Achieving a 2% lead, the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee held a Lakshya Leadership Summit in Wayanad on January 4-5. The focus was on unity, discipline, and winning over 100 of 140 seats in 2026 Assembly elections. Early candidate selection with 50% women and youth quota will be overseen by a Central Screening Committee chaired by AICC general secretary Madhusudan Mistry. Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan launched 'Mission 2026', including a state-wide yatra starting in February and dividing Kerala into three campaign zones. The party aims to boost social media presence and highlight solutions in economy, health, and agriculture. A strategy session led by AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi will be held in New Delhi, followed by a 'mahapanchayat' in Kochi on January 19 with new local representatives. Despite these efforts, Congress faces challenges. Internal rivalries over the Chief Minister post persist. Allegations from CPI(M) linking Congress to Jamaat-e-Islami Hind remain unaddressed. The Indian Union Muslim League demands more electoral space. Congress seeks to regain Kerala Congress(M), which switched to LDF in 2021. The CPI(M) promotes development projects and poverty eradication to fight for a third term. Meanwhile, BJP is emerging as a strong third force, winning the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and targeting key assembly seats, focusing on beating Congress rather than splitting votes. Congress's success depends on resolving internal conflicts and presenting a united leadership with a convincing alternative vision. The local poll success may not fully translate to Assembly elections, where alliances and leadership credibility matter more. The CPI(M)'s strong organization can bounce back. The Congress must act fast or risk losing its best chance to regain power in Kerala after a decade.