Will Sunny Joseph quit KPCC post for Kerala cabinet berth? | Key scenarios explained

Iritty, Kerala: Questions are being raised over whether KPCC president Sunny Joseph will continue in the post, join the cabinet under CM-designate VD Satheesan, and, if so, which portfolio he may receive. Kannur district and his home constituency Peravoor are closely watching developments.

As the KPCC president post and a ministerial berth have never been held simultaneously by the same person, there is growing speculation over Sunny Joseph’s role if the UDF assumes power. The key question being asked is what position he would take up in such a scenario.

If Sunny Joseph steps down as KPCC president, Congress will also have to decide on a replacement. To avoid internal disputes, some believe he may continue in the organisational post. However, those close to him believe he will be part of the cabinet, with only the portfolio remaining uncertain.

A general assessment suggests he may be included in the cabinet, particularly considering the need for Kannur’s representation and his seniority as a four-time MLA. The other two Congress MLAs from the district, Sajeev Joseph and T.O. Mohanan, are considered junior to him.

It is also deemed that KC Venugopal, who narrowly missed out on the Chief Minister post, could play a strong role in deciding ministerial allocations, potentially altering several equations.

During the past year, when Sunny Joseph functioned as KPCC president with Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan, the party appeared to move forward without major differences. Whether the leadership will decide that party leadership should remain with Sunny even as Satheesan becomes Chief Minister remains to be seen. The situation will also take into account the emergence of senior leaders staking claim to the KPCC president post.

Some believe this could help avoid possible tug-of-war along group and community lines.

If he becomes a minister, Sunny may receive a key portfolio while continuing as KPCC president. Supporters say the revenue department is the most likely allocation. Some also see a possibility of the forest department.

K.P. Noorudheen, who previously represented Peravoor constituency, was forest minister in the K Karunakaran cabinet. 

Some also feel that, as a representative from a migrant community (Malabar peasant migration), he may be considered for the agriculture portfolio.