Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], May 12: In a major leadership transition, Sunny Joseph officially assumed charge as the new President of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Monday, succeeding Kannur MP K. Sudhakaran. Accompanying him in leadership, AP Anilkumar, PC Vishnunadh, and Shafi Parambil took office as working presidents, while Adoor Prakash stepped in as the new UDF Convener.
At a function held at the party’s state headquarters, senior Congress leaders welcomed the new leadership, expressing optimism that this team will lead the United Democratic Front (UDF) to power in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.
“This is a day filled with pride and joy,” said Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal. “K. Sudhakaran led with integrity and courage. Now Sunny Joseph, calm and composed, brings with him a strong commitment to the party’s ideology. This leadership team reflects our intent for coordinated and effective campaign management.”
Venugopal stressed the need for a unified and structured campaign, saying the Left government had lost public trust. “Even within the CPI(M), there’s disillusionment. The time for individual ambition is over—we must move forward like a well-oiled machine.”
He also voiced confidence in Adoor Prakash’s ability to rejuvenate the UDF as its convener, noting that the change in leadership was essential to mount a credible challenge against the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF).
Before assuming their roles, the newly appointed leaders visited senior Congress leader and former Defence Minister AK Antony at his residence. Antony lauded Sunny Joseph’s grassroots journey, calling him “the son of a high-range farmer from Ulikkal” and a symbol of dedication.
“I have complete faith that in 2026, under the leadership of the Congress, a UDF government with a Congress Chief Minister will come to power in Kerala. The future lies in unity, and this team is the beginning of that mission,” Antony added.
The leadership overhaul is seen as a strategic move aimed at reviving the Congress’s electoral fortunes in Kerala, where it has been in the opposition since 2016.