Mullappally Ramachandran Demands Immediate KPCC Reshuffle and Full-Time State President
Senior Congress leader Mullappally Ramachandran has called upon the party national leadership to conclude the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) reorganisation without further postponement. Addressing the press in Kozhikode, he pointed out that organisational functioning across the state had remained largely stagnant for nearly three months because the unit lacks a full-time president.
What Happened
Speaking to media persons, Mullappally Ramachandran highlighted that the current KPCC president, Sunny Joseph, is simultaneously serving as the state’s Electricity Minister. He noted that exactly 101 days had passed since the United Democratic Front (UDF) administration took office, during which party operations had suffered due to the leadership vacancy.
Mr. Ramachandran stressed that the party requires a dedicated, full-time president rather than an ad-hoc arrangement. He expressed confidence that All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K.C. Venugopal, who oversees the organisation, would reach a resolution in the near future.
Key Highlights
- Call for full-time leadership: Ramachandran insisted that the state unit cannot function effectively with a part-time arrangement while Sunny Joseph holds ministerial office.
- Advocacy for ‘one man, one post’: The senior leader backed the ‘one man, one post’ formula, stating that the state unit has ample qualified and competent leaders who deserve an opportunity.
- Government performance praised: Dismissing claims of coordination gaps between the party and the government, he commended the ministry’s time-bound implementation of promises and its handling of the Onam season.
- Beypore election stance: Addressing the debate surrounding former MLA P.V. Anvar’s candidature as an Independent from Beypore in the 2026 Assembly election, he described the episode as a closed chapter and declined further commentary.
- Credit to party cadre: Ramachandran rejected claims that Anvar’s attacks on the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) administration delivered the UDF victory, giving credit instead to grassroots workers and the Puthuyuga Yatra led by V.D. Satheesan.
- Administrative issues addressed: He noted that an official linked to the controversy involving police entering a mosque wearing boots in Madakkara, Vadakara, was transferred. Regarding delayed appointments to boards and corporations, he clarified that discussions are underway and such processes typically take time.
Why This Matters
The intervention underscores an internal push for structural clarity within the Kerala Congress following its recent electoral success. With key leaders occupied with cabinet portfolios in the 101-day-old administration, senior members believe administrative duties must be separated from party machinery to prevent organisational inertia.
What to Watch Next
Decisions regarding the KPCC presidency and the ongoing reorganisation now rest with the AICC leadership, particularly AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal. Furthermore, outcomes regarding impending appointments to state boards and corporations are expected once multi-level consultations conclude.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a new KPCC president being sought?
Current KPCC president Sunny Joseph also holds office as the Electricity Minister, leading party leaders like Mullappally Ramachandran to request a dedicated leader under the ‘one man, one post’ norm.
What is the status of appointments to boards and corporations?
According to Ramachandran, there is no active dispute over appointments to statutory boards and corporations; talks are actively proceeding across multiple tiers, with decisions expected soon.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.