Mullappally Ramachandran urges the Congress leadership to speed up the reorganization of the KPCC

Mullappally Ramachandran | Photo credit: K. RAGESH

Amid the Congress high command’s delay in appointing a new Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, with several leaders lobbying for the post, Congress veteran Mullappally Ramachandran criticized the party leadership for not appointing a full-time president.

Speaking to reporters on Friday (August 28, 2026), Mr. Ramachandran, former KPCC president, said the party organization in the state had remained “inactive” for the past three months.

He said KPCC needs a full-time president and not an ad hoc arrangement. His remarks come more than three months after Sunny Joseph, the current KPCC president, was inducted into the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government as the power minister.

“Congress in Kerala has remained inactive for the past three months. The (new) KPCC president should be appointed immediately,” Mr. Ramachandran said.

“One Man, One Post”

He also favored following the principle of “one man, one post”, saying that it would be better to ensure that a person does not hold multiple posts if possible. “There are many capable people in the party. They should be given an opportunity,” he said.

The UDF government has completed 100 days in office. Mr. Ramachandran expressed hope that the All India Congress Committee (AICC) would take the matter seriously. He also said that the appointment of KPCC chief will have to be decided by AICC general secretary (organization) KC Venugopal.

Congress leaders urged the party high command to appoint a full-time KPCC president soon after the VD Satheesan-led government assumed office. However, the final decision has yet to be taken by the high command. The delay also stalled party reorganization in the state as two KPCC working presidents became ministers in the new government.

Possible bidders

Several rounds of discussions took place and the names of several candidates emerged as possible contenders for the post. The names reportedly include MPs and other elected representatives.

Mr. Joseph, who continues to lead the party in Kerala, has reportedly conveyed to the leadership his willingness to relinquish the organizational position.

Mr. Ramachandran said the issue of lack of coordination between the state government and the party organization was “not relevant” as there was no full-time KPCC president.

His comments on one man, one post could also be seen as a pre-emptive move against an MP or MLA holding a prominent elected position simultaneously heading the state’s party unit.

Published – 28 Aug 2026 15:44 IST