Congress overhauls Kerala leadership: Sunny Joseph named KPCC chief, Adoor Prakash new UDF convener

The move aims to project fresh leadership backed by experience

Last updated: May 08, 2025 | 21:10

Balaram Menon, Senior Web Editor

2 MIN READ

Sunny Joseph

In a significant organisational shake-up ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, the Congress high command on Thursday appointed Peravoor MLA Sunny Joseph as the new president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). The move comes as part of a broader leadership rejig aimed at energising the party’s state unit.

The incumbent KPCC president, K Sudhakaran, has been elevated to the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party's highest decision-making body, as a permanent invitee — a mark of recognition for his leadership in Kerala.

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Sunny Joseph, 72, is a seasoned politician and a lawyer by profession. Known for his soft-spoken demeanor and calm leadership style, Joseph has earned respect across party lines.

A close confidant of Sudhakaran, he began his political journey in the student wing of the Congress and later rose through the ranks, holding key organisational roles in the Kannur district.

Joseph made a strong electoral debut in 2011 when he defeated prominent CPI(M) leader KK Shailaja in Peravoor. He has since retained the seat for three consecutive terms, becoming a prominent figure in Kerala politics.

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The All India Congress Committee (AICC) also announced the appointment of Attingal MP Adoor Prakash as the new United Democratic Front (UDF) convener, replacing veteran leader MM Hassan.

In addition, three new KPCC working presidents were named: senior leader AP Anil Kumar, Kundara MLA PC Vishnunath, and Palakkad MP Shafi Parambil.

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The leadership changes reflect the party’s strategy to present a fresh, united front in Kerala while drawing on the experience of proven leaders.

Balaram MenonSenior Web Editor

Balaram brings more than two decades of experience in the media industry, combining sharp editorial judgment with a deep understanding of digital news dynamics. Since 2004, he has been a core member of the gulfnews.com digital team, playing a key role in shaping its identity. Passionate about current affairs, politics, cricket, entertainment, and viral content, Balaram thrives on stories that spark conversation. His strength lies in adapting to the fast-changing news landscape and curating compelling content that resonates with readers.