In a significant organizational shake-up, the Congress party has appointed Peravoor MLA Sunny Joseph as the new president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), replacing K. Sudhakaran. This decision, announced on Thursday, May 8, 2025, signals a strategic move by the party as it prepares for crucial political contests in the state, particularly with the 2026 Assembly elections on the horizon.
K. Sudhakaran, who had been under pressure to step down, will continue to be involved in party affairs as a special invitee to the Congress Working Committee. The Congress high command also appointed Adoor Prakash, a senior party MP, as the new convener of the United Democratic Front (UDF), a coalition of opposition parties in Kerala. This reshuffle reflects the party's efforts to revitalize its leadership structure and reinvigorate its campaign ahead of the upcoming elections.
The appointments also include three new working presidents for the KPCC: P.C. Vishnunath, A.P. Anilkumar, and Shafi Parambil. This blend of experience and youthful energy is intended to strengthen the party's leadership in the state and address internal factional dynamics that have been a concern for Congress in Kerala.
Sunny Joseph, who previously succeeded Sudhakaran as the Kannur District Congress Committee (DCC) president in 2001, has a notable political history. He first entered the assembly in 2011 by defeating prominent CPM leader K.K. Shailaja and has since secured victories in the 2016 and 2021 elections, showcasing his resilience against strong competition.
The decision to replace Sudhakaran comes amid growing speculation and internal party discussions about his leadership. Although Sudhakaran had publicly stated that he would not step down, the pressure from senior leaders and party members led to the high command's decision. This change aims to unify the party and enhance its chances in the upcoming elections.
As part of the restructuring, the party has also relieved several leaders of their posts, including the outgoing UDF convener M.M. Hassan and working presidents Kodikunnil Suresh, T.N. Prathapan, and T. Siddique. The Congress high command's decision to appoint new leadership reflects a broader strategy to engage voters and strengthen the party's position in Kerala.
In a statement, the Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized the importance of these appointments in light of the approaching elections. "The Congress president has appointed the president and working presidents of the KPCC, and also approved the proposal of the appointment of the convenor of the UDF, with immediate effect," he said.
Sunny Joseph's return to a prominent leadership role is seen as an attempt to bridge the gap between the party's traditional base and newer voters. His long-standing association with the Kerala Students Union (KSU) and his grassroots connections are expected to play a crucial role in mobilizing support for the Congress party.
However, the leadership change has not come without controversy. Sudhakaran's removal has sparked mixed reactions among party loyalists, with some expressing concern over the potential impact on his support base. Posters demanding Sudhakaran's continuation appeared across the state, indicating a faction within the party that remains loyal to him.
Looking ahead, the Congress party is focused on reviving its fortunes in Kerala, where it has faced challenges in recent elections. The internal reshuffle is part of a broader strategy to engage voters and address concerns about the party's direction and leadership.
As the Congress prepares for the 2026 Assembly elections, the new leadership will need to navigate the complexities of Kerala's political landscape, which includes a strong presence of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Bharatiya Janata Party. The upcoming elections will be a critical test for the Congress party as it seeks to reestablish its relevance and appeal to a diverse electorate.
In summary, the Congress party's decision to appoint Sunny Joseph as the new KPCC president and Adoor Prakash as the UDF convener marks a pivotal moment in its efforts to revitalize its leadership and strengthen its position in Kerala. With the Assembly elections approaching, the party is poised to face significant challenges but also has the opportunity to reconnect with voters and reshape its future in the state.
