New Kerala heads of Congress and BJP in Delhi for revamp talks

IANS May 13, 2025 223 views

The newly appointed Congress and BJP state chiefs from Kerala have arrived in Delhi to discuss organizational restructuring with their central leadership. Sunny Joseph, the new KPCC president, and Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the BJP's surprise pick, are navigating complex internal party dynamics. Both leaders face the challenge of managing existing factions and potential resistance from senior party members. Their discussions will likely determine the future composition of their respective state party units.

"Whether Chandrasekhar retains the old guard or introduces a new team will be closely watched" - Article Source
New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, May 13: The newly appointed chiefs of the Congress and BJP in Kerala are in Delhi on Tuesday to initiate discussions on restructuring their respective state party units -- a routine process when new leadership takes charge.

Key Points

1

Sunny Joseph takes KPCC president role amid internal Congress factionalism

2

Rajeev Chandrasekhar appointed surprise BJP Kerala unit president

3

Both parties preparing comprehensive organizational restructuring

4

Central leadership to make final decisions on state teams

Sunny Joseph formally took over as the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president on Monday, while former Union Minister of State Rajeev Chandrasekhar -- a surprise pick -- was named the BJP's Kerala unit president last month.

Given both parties’ strong central leadership, the final say in reconstituting state-level teams lies with their high commands.

In the Congress, factionalism is longstanding, and public airing of discontent is not unusual. In contrast, such internal discord is rarely visible in the BJP.

At Joseph’s installation ceremony, the absence of senior MPs Shashi Tharoor, Dean Kuriakose, and Anto Antony was noted and sparked speculation. However, Joseph, known for his soft-spoken and composed demeanour, brushed off the issue with a characteristic smile when asked about it on Tuesday.

Within the Congress, there is already some unrest over the perceived dominance of AICC general secretary (organization) K.C. Venugopal, whose influence is seen as decisive in appointments.

Attention is now on whether all 14 district presidents in Kerala will be replaced and how the posts of vice-presidents, general secretaries, and secretaries will be filled.

It remains to be seen whether the KPCC will continue with a jumbo-sized committee and if its powerful Political Affairs Committee will be reconstituted.

Meanwhile, the BJP’s national leadership, reportedly frustrated with infighting among senior Kerala leaders, appointed Chandrasekhar -- a political outsider with little grassroots connect -- to bring in a fresh approach.

Whether Chandrasekhar retains the old guard or introduces a new team of vice-presidents and general secretaries will be closely watched.

In a move that surprised many, the BJP recently restructured its organisational setup in Kerala by dividing the state into 30 districts, instead of the traditional 14, to broaden leadership opportunities.

It now remains to be seen whether Chandrasekhar’s upcoming appointments will carry further surprises.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Interesting to see BJP bringing in an outsider like Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Hope he can bridge the gap between Delhi leadership and Kerala's grassroots workers. The 30-district restructuring seems like a smart move to expand BJP's base in God's Own Country! 🙏
P
Priya M.
Congress needs to get its act together in Kerala. The factionalism is too visible and hurting their prospects. Sunny Joseph seems like a calm leader, but will he have enough authority to unite all groups? Missing senior leaders at his ceremony doesn't look good.
S
Suresh N.
As a Keralite, I'm tired of both parties' Delhi high command deciding everything for our state. We need leaders who understand local issues, not just follow central diktats. The jumbo committees are just ways to accommodate more people - waste of public money!
A
Ananya R.
The BJP's strategy in Kerala is fascinating! Bringing in a tech-savvy leader like Chandrasekhar could attract urban youth. But will he connect with ordinary Malayalis? The party needs to move beyond its current image if it wants to grow in Kerala.
V
Vijay P.
Both parties need fresh faces and ideas in Kerala politics. Too much focus on internal politics rather than development issues. Hope these new appointments bring some positive change. Kerala deserves better than the same old political dramas! 😊

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Tags:
Kerala Politics Congress Party BJP Sunny Joseph Rajeev Chandrasekhar Political Restructuring Indian Politics