Joseph Vazhackan or Mathew Kuzhalnadan? Congress Unlikely to Disturb Community Balance in KPCC President Choice

Thiruvananthapuram: Everything in Congress, Kerala, is public, or so it appears. The ongoing discussion regarding the next party chief is no exception. The deliberations began after Sunny Joseph, the current Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief, was inducted into the cabinet as Electricity Minister. He retained the Peravoor Assembly constituency in Kannur in the 2026 assembly elections. The names that do the rounds for the top post are Joseph Vazhackan and Mathew Kuzhalnadan.

The party can’t shake the community balance in the top post for it won’t go down well with a major electoral base of it. Kuzhalnadan is a Jacobite while Vazhackan belongs to the Syro Malabar Church, like the outgoing president Sunny Joseph.

Joseph Vazhackan hit headlines ahead of the assembly elections for not making it into the party's candidate list, though he was initially considered for the Ettumanur seat in Kottayam district. Posters with his name had to be removed, and the campaign materials had to be disposed of. He, however, is optimistic that his name won’t be opted out this time.

“My name being considered for the KPCC president has nothing to do with my non-candidacy in the assembly elections. I was not given a seat because of various reasons. I have the support of the party rank and file,” he told the Pioneer.

The 68-year-old former legislator, Vazhackan, is a member of the KPCC’s Political Affairs Committee. An officer-bearer of the KPCC since 1995, he is also a member of the All-India Congress Committee (AICC).

“My experience in various capacities has gained me wide support within the party. This would work in favour of me,” he added.

Reports, meanwhile, suggested that Vazhackan lacks the support of KC Venugopal, Congress general secretary (organisation). “The party High Command contemplates the names of younger leaders too, which opens the scope for Mathew Kuzhalnadan. However, Chief Minister V D Satheesan and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala back Vazhackan,” a source close to the party said.

The source added, “The party considers a Christian to be at the helm to maintain the community balance. Leaders from the Nair community- VD Satheesan heads the government, Chennithala holds the home portfolio, and KC Venugopal is in a crucial party post. Hence, it’s highly unlikely to go for a non-Christian name to be the KPCC chief.”

Vazhackan, nevertheless, claimed support of all senior leaders. “They are all my colleagues and close friends too. Ramesh Chennithala is my senior, while the others are either my contemporaries or juniors. No one will object to me personally, because I have a nice rapport with all. Of course, everyone would have their interests, but that won’t come in the way of supporting me,” the senior leader said.

Mathew Kuzhalnadan, on the other hand, held the view that it is for the party leadership to take the call. “We will abide by High Command decisions. The party will look into various aspects (before taking a call). If it comes to me, well and good,” he said. His victory from the Muvattupuzha constituency in Ernakulam district is a consecutive one. He had been a fierce voice from the opposition against the second Pinarayi Vijayan government.

Kuzhalnadan, however, did not comment on reports suggesting that he lacks the support of V D Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala. “The leaders will have opinions depending on various aspects. The High Command will consider this; that does not imply that I lack their support. Let us see,” he opined.