Tue Dec 23 16:27:38 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
The Ernakulam District Congress Committee (DCC) has announced its candidates for Mayor and Deputy Mayor, ending speculation. V.K. Minimol will serve as Mayor for the first half of the term, followed by Shiny Mathew. Deepak Joy and K.V.P. Krishnakumar will share the Deputy Mayor role. This decision is a setback for Deepthy Mary Varghese, who was initially considered the frontrunner for the Mayor’s position. The decision was based on internal party dynamics and a desire to accommodate senior leaders. V.K. Minimol has pledged to meet expectations and deliver effective governance.
News Article:
Ernakulam Congress Names Minimol as Mayor Candidate, Sparks Internal Debate
Kochi, India – December 23, 2025 – The Ernakulam District Congress Committee (DCC) announced its mayoral and deputy mayoral candidates this evening, unveiling a split-term plan that has sparked internal debate within the party. Four-time councillor V.K. Minimol will take the reins as Mayor for the first two-and-a-half years, with Shiny Mathew slated to succeed her for the remaining term. The Deputy Mayor position will be shared between Deepak Joy and K.V.P. Krishnakumar.
The decision comes as a surprise to many, particularly to Deepthy Mary Varghese, a two-time councillor and Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) general secretary, who was widely considered the leading contender for the Mayor’s post. However, sources suggest Varghese lacked support during a Congress councillors’ meeting, with factions within the party backing Minimol and Mathew.
DCC president Mohammed Shiyas defended the decision, stating that the party took all relevant factors into account. He highlighted Minimol’s experience and affirmed that split terms are not unprecedented within the party.
“These chosen candidates are capable of advancing the city’s development and welfare initiatives,” Shiyas stated in a press conference.
Minimol, who is also the State vice president of the Mahila Congress, addressed the media, vowing to deliver governance aligned with the people’s expectations. She also refrained from commenting on the decision to overlook Varghese for the position. She voiced optimism that her past experience as chairperson of the health and works standing committees would serve her well in her new role.
Mathew’s prospects were reportedly bolstered by support from the Latin Catholic community and her previous experience as a contender for the Mayor’s position. The elections for Mayor and Deputy Mayor are scheduled for December 26th. The situation is being followed with great interest.
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