New Delhi [India]: Senior leaders of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) are set to meet Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and party President Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi on Tuesday, just a day after the new state leadership officially assumed charge.
The crucial meeting, to be held at Indira Bhavan—the Congress headquarters in the capital—comes as the party gears up for the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, with renewed hope of reclaiming power in the state.
On May 12, Peravoor MLA Sunny Joseph formally took over as KPCC President, succeeding senior leader and Kannur MP K Sudhakaran. The party also installed AP Anilkumar, PC Vishnunadh, and Shafi Parambil as KPCC working presidents, while Attingal MP Adoor Prakash became the new United Democratic Front (UDF) convenor.
Congress Reorganizes Kerala Unit for 2026 Battle
The sweeping changes in KPCC leadership are being seen as the Congress’ strategic move to craft a unified and agile campaign machinery ahead of the 2026 polls. Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal, speaking at a ceremony welcoming the new leaders, highlighted the party’s intent:
“This is a day filled with pride and joy. K. Sudhakaran led the party with integrity and courage… Sunny Joseph brings calmness and ideological commitment. His appointment reflects our strategy for a coordinated leadership team,” Venugopal said.
He added that Adoor Prakash’s elevation to UDF convenor was part of this larger push for cohesion and structure:
“The road to winning the upcoming elections starts here. We must reclaim governance in Kerala with a structured and united campaign.”
Leadership Visits Veteran AK Antony
Ahead of taking office, the new team visited senior Congress leader and former Defence Minister AK Antony, who expressed confidence in the reshaped leadership.
“Sunny Joseph, the son of a high-range farmer from Ulikkal, rose through the ranks. His journey is one of dedication. I have full faith that in 2026, a Congress-led UDF government will return to power in Kerala,” Antony said.
He also emphasized unity and grassroots consolidation as the guiding principles for victory.
Rahul Gandhi’s Guidance Sought
As Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a sitting MP from Wayanad, Rahul Gandhi plays a critical role in the party’s Kerala narrative. Today’s meeting with him and Kharge is expected to focus on strategic planning, electoral readiness, and constituency coordination, especially in light of the BJP’s growing national footprint and the ruling LDF’s performance in the state.
With the Congress betting big on a new era of leadership, Tuesday’s dialogue could set the tone for the months to come in the state’s political landscape.