Insiders say the next stage will see former DCC presidents, ex-MLAs, and senior KPCC members being slotted as general secretaries.
Published Aug 24, 2025 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 24, 2025 | 9:00 AM
Congress is eyeing a comeback in Kerala, but getting the house in order is party's priority right now. Credit: x.com/INCKerala
Synopsis: Amid the call for a shake-up, the Congress district committees in Kerala has run into fresh hurdles, with consensus eluding the leadership in key districts. While the state leadership has confirmed that most DCC presidents will be replaced, at the background there are moves underway to retain incumbents in at least five districts — Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, and Ernakulam.
The Congress in Kerala finds itself caught in a Hamletian dilemma — to reorganise or not to reorganise its district units ahead of the local body polls and high-voltage Assembly elections.
The leadership knows that fresh faces could inject much-needed energy into the party’s grassroots. Yet, pressing ahead risks unsettling fragile equations, reopening old wounds, and alienating entrenched factions.
Whether the shake-up happens before or after the polls, the decision carries equal weight — and as much peril.
As the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) attempts a long-pending reorganisation ahead of the local body and assembly elections, disputes over the names of district-level leaders have stalled progress.
While the leadership has agreed on broad changes, the tussle over representation, seniority, and communal equations has delayed the final list.
With just three months left for the local body elections, senior leaders are split on timing.
Ever since K Sudhakaran assumed leadership, the state command has been attempting to push through reorganisation, seeking consensus and alignment among stakeholders. Even the current state president, Sunny Joseph, finds it difficult to cut the deal.
Yet, despite constant promises of imminent action, the much-touted exercise remains frustratingly out of reach—a mirage that keeps slipping further away.
DCC presidents from Kerala with then KPCC president K Sudhakaran during the DCC Presidents’ Meet at New Delhi in March.
One section argues that replacing DCC presidents now could disrupt campaign preparations, while another insists that the revamp is necessary to energise the cadre.
Some leaders have suggested that if restructuring is not completed within one month, it should be scrapped.
At the same time, AICC has instructed the state leadership to hold wider consultations before finalising the recommendations.
If consensus proves impossible, the leadership may postpone changes until after the local body elections, evaluating DCC performance before making decisions.
Earlier, KPCC president Sunny Joseph and working presidents PC Vishnunath, AP Anilkumar, and Shafi Parambil have held discussions with AICC general secretary Deepa Dasmunshi in Delhi.
Inputs from MPs and former leaders was also sought.
Amid the call for a shake-up, the Congress district committees in Kerala has run into fresh hurdles, with consensus eluding the leadership in key districts.
While the state leadership has confirmed that most DCC presidents will be replaced, at the background there are moves underway to retain incumbents in at least five districts — Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, and Ernakulam.
The current presidents, Martin George (Kannur), Adv Praveen Kumar (Kozhikode), VS Joy (Malappuram), Joseph Tajet (Thrissur), and Muhammed Shias (Ernakulam), are likely to continue owing to their “satisfactory performance.”
In Pathanamthitta, Satish Kochuparampil may also be retained to ensure Ezhava representation.
However, internal resistance is intensifying.
Former KPCC chief K Sudhakaran has opposed changes in Kannur, Kozhikode, and Malappuram, while Kodikunnil Suresh has voiced objection in Kollam.
Adding to the divide, MLA Sunny Joseph has said to be remarked that “Congress is rich in leadership, and there are many names to consider.”
The real stumbling blocks, though, are in Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram.
In Kottayam, names like Philson Mathews, Biju Punnathanam, Philip Joseph, and former DCC chief Joshi are under discussion. Opposition Leader VD Satheesan is pushing for Philson, but a consensus remains elusive.
In Thiruvananthapuram, the return bid of former president N Sakthan, strongly backed by Shashi Tharoor to ensure Nadar representation, has complicated matters further.
Despite disagreements, there is broad agreement that changes are “unavoidable” in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Wayanad, and Kasaragod.
But a section of leaders insists that except for Thrissur — where a new president was appointed recently — all 13 districts should see sweeping changes.
At the same time, the state unit is treading cautiously as it reshapes its leadership structure, seeking to strike a fine balance between community representation, factional interests, and generational aspirations.
So far, the distribution of District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents reflects this balancing act: five Christians, four Ezhava leaders, three Nairs, and two Muslims hold the reins.
Insiders say the next stage will see former DCC presidents, ex-MLAs, and senior KPCC members being slotted as general secretaries.
Some outgoing DCC chiefs are also expected to be accommodated, while Youth Congress leaders and grassroots workers are being lined up for secretary-level positions.
“The aim is to prepare a list inclusive of youth, Dalits, backward classes, and minority groups,” a KPCC leader revealed, underlining the party’s effort to project inclusivity.
To soothe discontent among those stepping aside, the leadership is also considering offering key election coordination roles to outgoing DCC presidents, ensuring they remain central to the party’s campaign machinery in the run-up to the local body and Assembly polls.
As community equations, factional pressures, and electoral clocks converge, the party’s reorganisation has become a high-stakes test—capable of forging a united front or exposing cracks that opponents will be quick to exploit.
Victory or chaos hangs in the balance!
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
