Two electoral battles at the doorstep, Pinarayi 3.0 ahead; Sunny Joseph faces numerous challenges

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sunny Joseph, the newly appointed KPCC president, is well-known for his reputation as an excellent organiser. His leadership as the DCC (District Congress Committee) president of Kannur earned him widespread recognition for effectively coordinating Congress party activities in the district. He has consistently served as a model of disciplined party functioning, setting an example for ordinary party workers.

Now, as he assumes the leadership of the KPCC, the party expects the same disciplined and efficient performance from him. Leading the Congress party in Kerala at this juncture is no small challenge—perhaps the most critical one is bringing the party back to power after ten consecutive years in the opposition.

All eyes are now on Sunny Joseph to see how his leadership will reshape the power dynamics at Indira Bhavan. The state is set to face assembly elections within a year. Meanwhile, under Pinarayi Vijayan's leadership, the CPM is confidently pushing forward with its LDF 3.0 vision. The Left has already begun organised preparations for the elections.

Another major challenge on the horizon is the upcoming local body elections, scheduled for the end of this year, Often seen as a dress rehersal for the assembly elections, the Congress and its allies must perform strongly to build momentum. Sunny Joseph bears the significant responsibility of leveraging favourable conditions for the party while also uniting and strengthening the alliance.

The removal of K. Sudhakaran from the KPCC presidency was not entirely with his consent. Supporters of Sudhakaran had openly demanded his continuation in the role. At one point, Sudhakaran himself reportedly questioned the high command about the necessity of his removal. Support for him was also visibly displayed through flex boards in Kannur district.

Now that Sudhakaran has been removed from the party leadership, the internal equations and dynamics that this change will trigger within the Congress party remain to be seen. How Sunny Joseph handles these developments will be crucial for the party’s direction moving forward.