Senior Congress leader PJ Kurian has thrown his weight behind opposition leader VD Satheeshen and urged senior party figures to make way for younger candidates in the forthcoming Kerala assembly election. Speaking to Asianet News in Thiruvananthapuram, Kurian said a deliberate renewal of leadership was necessary to give the party a competitive edge.
Kerala Congress candidate selection
Kurian said that a significant reshuffle was likely, with an emphasis on fielding fresh faces rather than relying on long-standing incumbents. “We should give opportunities to youth and women who can win,” he said, adding that senior leaders, including himself, ought to consider stepping back. The intent is to present a renewed team that can appeal to younger voters while retaining experienced hands where essential.
He indicated that Congress is unlikely to nominate current MPs widely for state seats and that about 50 constituencies may see pre-selection moves to finalise candidates early. The party intends to conclude seat-sharing arrangements within three weeks, Kurian added.
Kurian also addressed internal concerns about allegations against individual leaders. He said Rahul Mankoottil, who faces accusations in a sexual assault case, should not be awarded a ticket. “The party must ensure that candidates are beyond such controversies,” he said, stressing the need to protect the party’s reputation and to prioritise electable candidates.
VD Satheeshen, the opposition leader in the Kerala assembly, has previously outlined a strategy to maximise the representation of women and younger leaders. Kurian’s endorsement of Satheeshen and support for renewal signals alignment within the party leadership as it prepares for a hard-fought contest with the United Democratic Front (UDF).
Kurian dismissed the notion that ambition for the chief minister’s post drives internal decisions. “Politics has room for sacrifice, and I am ready to step aside if that helps the party,” he said. At the same time he emphasised that those who can win should be given priority and that retirement for a section of senior leaders was inevitable as part of the renewal process.
On strategy, Kurian said the UDF would focus on governance and accountability rather than short-term populist measures. He described the alliance’s economic approach as distinct from what he characterised as the Left Democratic Front’s populist policies and said the UDF would offer a credible alternative to voters.
Kurian also rejected the idea of any individual or faction monopolising the party apparatus. He reiterated Satheeshen’s pledge that the Peruntachan Complex should not belong to anyone, and that success or failure would be borne collectively. The UDF currently estimates control of between 80 and 85 seats is within reach, and Kurian expressed confidence that the alliance could secure more than 100 seats to form the government.
As seat distributions are finalised, the Congress leadership faces the challenge of balancing renewal with electoral pragmatism. Kurian’s remarks underline a clear preference for promoting young, winnable candidates and protecting the party’s standing by avoiding contested figures. With the election campaign looming, these decisions will shape the Congress’s appeal to a changing electorate in Kerala.
Key Takeaways:
- Senior leader PJ Kurian publicly supports opposition leader VD Satheeshen and urges veteran leaders to step aside for fresh faces.
- Kerala Congress candidate selection will favour youth and women, with seat-sharing to be finalised within three weeks.
- Kurian says Rahul Mankoottil, accused in a sexual assault case, should not be given a ticket; party to prioritise winnable candidates over incumbency.
