Thrissur witnessed a surprise ministerial pick with OJ Janeesh, a familiar face in the district through his leadership roles in the KSU and Youth Congress, making it to the Cabinet. Janeesh’s induction was decided at the very last moment, amid concerns that Thrissur might end up without Cabinet representation.

Janeesh, who pulled off an upset victory in the Kodungallur constituency this time, is also the state president of the Youth Congress. He is a first-time MLA and the youngest among the three Congress candidates who won from the district.

Many had expected ministerial berths for Kerala Congress leader Thomas Unniyadan and second-time MLA Saneesh Kumar Joseph, but that did not happen. Speculation then spread that Thrissur would have no minister at all. Caste equations within the Cabinet reportedly worked in Janeesh favour.

Saneesh, convinced he would not make the Cabinet, had already returned from Thiruvananthapuram but was called back on Sunday morning. Later in the evening, Janeesh too was summoned to the capital. The turning point came after TN Prathapan — who was widely expected to become minister if elected — lost by just 126 votes, opening the door for Janeesh, who belongs to the KC group.

Thrissur had enjoyed strong Cabinet representation in the previous two governments, with three ministers each time handling key portfolios such as Revenue and Higher Education.

From 2016 to 2021, C Ravindranath, AC Moideen and VS Sunilkumar represented the district in the Cabinet. Ravindranath handled Education, Sunilkumar Agriculture, while Moideen managed Local Self-Government, Cooperation, Tourism and additionally Industries.

In 2021, K Radhakrishnan, K Rajan and R Bindu became ministers. Radhakrishnan later resigned after winning the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Rajan handled Revenue and Housing, while Bindu managed Higher Education and Social Justice until 2026. Two ministers from the previous Cabinets — C Ravindranath and K Rajan — are now on the Opposition benches.

21 days in jail, 70 cases

One of the most notable struggles in Janeesh’s political career was the agitation against the Paliyekkara toll plaza. Through a legal battle that reached from the High Court to the Supreme Court, he secured strong rulings against alleged irregularities in toll collection.

Authorities often responded to public protests with criminal cases. Janeesh spent 21 days in jail over protests against the Nava Kerala Sadas. Nearly 70 cases have been registered against him for participating in agitations. The cases have also created hurdles such as passport restrictions.

Cracking the Kodungallur fortress

The LDF had believed Kodungallur was an impregnable Left bastion that even veteran leaders could not break. That belief was shattered by political newcomer OJ Janeesh, who defeated two-time CPI MLA VR Sunilkumar.

Even Janeesh himself may not have expected the victory. Everything unfolded unexpectedly — much like VD Satheesan’s last-minute rise in the Cabinet equation.

Despite being Youth Congress state president, Janeesh had not anticipated a Cabinet berth and had made no preparations to travel to Thiruvananthapuram. When the call finally came, he reportedly left immediately in whatever clothes he had on hand. It was only midway through the journey that he learned his ministership was almost certain.

The news came as a shock to him. Realising the importance of the moment, he wanted his family to witness the swearing-in ceremony as well. By evening, his family too had set out for Thiruvananthapuram.

First minister from Kodungallur constituency

OJ Janeesh becomes the first minister from the present-day Kodungallur constituency, which comprises Kodungallur municipality and several panchayats from the old Mala constituency.

Since the new Kodungallur constituency was formed, TN Prathapan of the UDF won there in 2011, while CPI’s VR Sunilkumar won in 2016 and 2021, but none became ministers.

Earlier, in 1996, VK Rajan of the LDF won from the old Mala constituency and later became Agriculture Minister. In 2006, CPI leader KP Rajendran won from the old Kodungallur constituency and served as Revenue Minister.

Janeesh’s unexpected ministerial appointment has triggered celebrations across UDF circles in Kodungallur.

Satisfied with every opportunity I got

Janeesh said the opportunities in his political life had come naturally and that he was “100 percent satisfied” with every role he had received so far. He also said he had never lobbied for any position.