PJ Joseph elected as Kerala Congress chairman, PC Thomas named working chairman; Francis George expresses dissatisfaction over his position

THODPUZUAHA: The Kerala Congress faction led by PJ Joseph on Tuesday formalised its merger with the Kerala Congress led by PC Thomas. Following this PJ Joseph was elected as the party chairman and PC Thomas was elected the working chairman.

The election was held at a joint leadership meeting convened online in Thodupuzha in the background of COVID-19. Other office bearers are Mons Joseph (executive chairman), Joy Abraham (secretary general), TU Kuruvila (chief coordinator), Francis George, Thomas Unniyadan, Johnny Nellore (deputy chairmen), Vakachan Mattathil, MP Poly, DK John, Joseph M Pudusserry, John K Matthew, KF Varghese, Sajan Francis, Rajan Kannattu, Ahmed Thottathil, Kottarakkara Ponnachan, VC Chandy Master, KA Philip (vice chairmen), EJ Augusty, Varghese Mammon, c Mohanan Pillai (state advisors), and Abraham Kalamannil (treasurer).

Meanwhile, Francis George came out with the accusation that he did not get the place he deserved in the reorganization. He also said he would not take up the position of deputy chairman. Francis George stayed away from the joint leadership meeting convened online.

Francis George, a former confidant of Joseph, left the party and formed the Janadhipathya Kerala Congress following a disagreement with him. Prior to the last panchayat election, a faction led by Francis George returned to the Joseph faction. Francis George was the UDF candidate in the Idukki assembly elections.