Mon May 19 19:45:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the article followed by a rewritten version as a news article:
**Summary:**
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has appointed Sunny Joseph as the new president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), replacing K. Sudhakaran. This decision comes after months of deliberation and internal pressure to revamp the KPCC. Sudhakaran has been appointed as a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee as part of a compromise. The move is seen as an attempt to revive the Christian-Nair alliance that historically supported the Congress party. However, Sudhakaran expressed displeasure over his removal, hinting at internal factionalism. The AICC’s decision reflects a lack of confidence in Sudhakaran’s ability to lead the party to victory in the 2026 Assembly elections, where the CPI(M)-led LDF aims for a historic third term. While the new leadership structure aims to balance caste interests, the Congress faces challenges including factionalism, multiple chief ministerial aspirants, and the need to mobilize anti-incumbency at the grassroots level.
**News Article:**
**Kerala Congress Gets New Leader in A Bid to Revive Lost Alliances**
**Kozhikode, India – May 20, 2025** – The All India Congress Committee (AICC) announced the appointment of Sunny Joseph as the new president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on May 8, marking a significant leadership change within the party’s Kerala unit. Joseph, a three-time legislator, replaces K. Sudhakaran, whose removal has stirred internal discontent.
The move comes after six months of deliberation, with the AICC aiming to revitalize the KPCC amid pressure from senior state leaders. As part of a carefully negotiated compromise, Sudhakaran will remain involved as a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee. Adoor Prakash has been appointed as convener of the Congress-led UDF, while A.P. Anil Kumar, P.C. Vishnunath, and Shafi Parambil have been named working presidents of the KPCC.
Sources within the Congress party say that the appointment of Mr. Joseph, a Christian leader, is a strategic attempt to revive the historically significant Christian-Nair alliance that once bolstered the party’s electoral success. With support from these communities waning, the Congress hopes to capitalize on Joseph’s background to win back lost ground. This marks the first time in over two decades that a Christian leader has held the KPCC presidency.
However, the leadership change hasn’t been without its challenges. Shortly after the announcement, Sudhakaran publicly expressed his dissatisfaction, alleging that a faction of self-interested leaders influenced the AICC’s decision. While he pledged his commitment to the party, his remarks highlighted existing internal divisions.
Analysts suggest that the AICC lacked confidence in Sudhakaran’s ability to secure victory in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections. The stakes are high, with the CPI(M)-led LDF vying for an unprecedented third consecutive term.
Veteran Congress leader A.K. Antony remains optimistic, expressing confidence that the new KPCC president will pave the way for a UDF government in 2026. However, political observers note that the Congress faces significant hurdles, including bitter factionalism, multiple chief ministerial aspirants, and the critical need to mobilize anti-incumbency sentiment at the grassroots level.
The Congress’s success in the 2026 elections will depend on its ability to overcome these challenges and effectively address key issues such as the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, and the caste census.