PJ Joseph ends 55-year career; Kerala Congress (Joseph) announces candidates for eight seats

KOTTAYAM: The Kerala Congress (Joseph faction) has officially announced its candidate list for the upcoming assembly elections. Party Chairman PJ Joseph has decided to end his historic five-and-a-half-decade-long electoral career. This time, his son and party coordinator, Apu John Joseph, will contest from the Thodupuzha constituency.

PJ Joseph has represented Thodupuzha as an MLA 11 times since 1970, suffering only one defeat in 2001 against PT Thomas. While Apu John Joseph was expected to be the candidate in the previous election, PJ Joseph ultimately contested that seat himself.

Candidate List:

• Thodupuzha: Apu John Joseph
• Kaduthuruthy: Mons Joseph
• Irinjalakuda: Thomas Unniyadan
• Thiruvalla: Varghese Mamman
• Kuttanad: Reji Cherian
• Changanassery: Vinu George
• Kothamangalam: Shibu Thekkumpuram
• Kanhangad: Shiji Ottapally

Seat Adjustments

Due to PJ Joseph's withdrawal from the race for health reasons, the Congress party has taken over the Idukki and Ettumanoor seats. Additionally, in the Kasaragod district, the Kerala Congress has been allotted the Kanhangad seat in exchange for Thrikaripur. Consequently, the party will contest eight seats this time, compared to the ten seats it held in the previous election.