Kozhikide, 07 May (H.S.):Riding high on its emphatic victory in the Kerala Assembly elections, the Congress party is preparing for a major organisational reshuffle in the state as several senior leaders transition from party responsibilities to legislative roles following their electoral success.

With the United Democratic Front (UDF) returning to power after a decade and the Congress emerging as the dominant force within the alliance, the party leadership is expected to simultaneously focus on government formation and internal restructuring in the coming weeks.

At the centre of the changes is Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph, who won the high-profile Peravoor Assembly seat in Kannur by defeating senior CPM leader K K Shylaja. His election to the Assembly, coupled with strong indications that he could be inducted into the new UDF Cabinet, has intensified discussions over a new KPCC president.

Senior Congress leaders, including MP Benny Behanan, are being discussed within party circles as potential successors to Sunny Joseph. Party sources said preliminary consultations have already begun, although final decisions are expected only after the new government is formally sworn in.

The reshuffle is not expected to be limited to the state leadership alone. At least five District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents who were elected to the Assembly are likely to relinquish their organisational posts, paving the way for a wider reorganisation at the district level.

In Kozhikode, DCC president K Praveen Kumar resigned from his position after registering a notable victory in the CPM stronghold of Koyilandy by a margin of 12,070 votes. He stated that he would continue to remain active in organisational affairs while discharging his duties as MLA. Party insiders indicate that P M Niyaz is likely to succeed him as district chief.

In Ernakulam, DCC president Muhammed Shiyas won from Kochi by defeating the LDF candidate with a margin exceeding 8,000 votes. His elevation to legislative responsibilities is expected to leave a temporary vacuum in one of the Congress party’s most active district units.

Meanwhile, Malappuram DCC president V S Joy won from Thavanur, while Kottayam DCC chief Nattakom Suresh secured victory from Ettumanoor with a commanding margin of 19,752 votes. In Thiruvananthapuram, DCC president N Shakthan emerged victorious from Neyyattinkara, with senior leader V S Sivakumar being tipped as a possible successor in the district.

However, not all district chiefs tasted success. Palakkad DCC president A Thankappan lost from Nenmara, while Pathanamthitta DCC chief Satheesh Kochuparambil was defeated in Konni.

Congress leaders said the organisational restructuring would be aimed at strengthening the party machinery while ensuring smooth coordination between the government and the organisation as the UDF prepares to assume office in the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman