The Congress party in Kerala is preparing for internal discussions among senior figures as the central leadership considers appointing a new state president. The organization has lacked a permanent head since the current PCC chief indicated plans to resign following his cabinet induction.
Party sources indicate talks will start after the Leader of the Opposition returns from overseas. With the state government facing internal and external criticism over policies and appointments, insiders note the absence of clear direction. The political affairs committee has convened only once since the government assumed office.
Several leaders are viewed as contenders for the position, including MPs Kodikkunnil Suresh, Anto Antony, Benny Behanan and Shafi Parambil, along with MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan. Former MLA Joseph Vazhakkan also seeks the role with support from a senior minister.
Suresh, who held the working president role for eight years, emphasizes his experience and position as a senior Dalit figure. The state unit has not previously selected a Dalit president.
Attention has shifted to Christian leaders following earlier competition among Nair figures for the chief minister post. The outgoing president was chosen in May 2025 to strengthen ties with the Christian community. He followed a predecessor appointed in 2021 after electoral defeat. Contenders draw on the party’s history of balancing community representation.
The stance of an AICC general secretary is seen as influential. The chief minister prefers a president aligned with government priorities.
Past tensions from 2011-2016, when the chief minister clashed with state presidents over policy consultation and liquor regulations, have contributed to later setbacks. These episodes are expected to influence current caution in selection.
Some leaders have already expressed concerns about the chief minister’s approach, including on liquor taxation and recent appointments.
