A generational shift begins in Thodupuzha as Kerala Congress chairman P J Joseph steps down after 50 years, naming his son Apu John Joseph as the candidate.
Idukki/Thodupuzha: In a landmark moment for Kerala’s parliamentary politics, Kerala Congress chairman P J Joseph has announced his retirement from electoral contests after more than half a century. His son, Apu John Joseph, who currently serves as the party's state coordinator, will contest from the Thodupuzha constituency in the upcoming Assembly elections.
P J Joseph has represented Thodupuzha 10 times since 1970. Announcing the decision in Thodupuzha, the veteran leader stated that he is stepping back due to health reasons but assured supporters that he would remain fully active in the election campaign.
Also Read
New faces and strategic shifts
The party has announced candidates for eight seats, featuring five new faces.
Key highlights of the announcement include
- Incumbents and veterans: Sitting MLA Mons Joseph will defend his seat in Kaduthuruthy, while former MLA Thomas Unniyadan returns to the fray in Iringalakuda.
- Seat reallocation: Following negotiations within the UDF coalition, the Congress party has taken over the Idukki and Ettumanoor seats previously contested by the Joseph faction. In exchange, the Kerala Congress (Joseph) has been allotted Kanhangad instead of Thrikkaripur.
- Fresh blood: Of the eight candidates, five are debutants, reflecting the party's effort to bring new energy into the legislative race.
Apu John Joseph had previously informed the party leadership of his willingness to contest only if his father decided to opt out. With this official handover, Thodupuzha prepares for its first election in decades without P J Joseph on the ballot.
KC(J) full list
| Candidate | Constituency |
| Apu John Joseph | Thodupuzha |
| Mons Joseph (Sitting MLA) | Kaduthuruthy |
| Thomas Unniyadan (Former MLA) | Iringalakuda |
| Shibu Thekkumpuram | Kothamangalam |
| Vinu Job | Changanassery |
| Varghese Mammen | Thiruvalla |
| Regi Cherian | Kuttanad |
| Shaiji Ottappallil | Kanhangad |
Published: 17 Mar 2026, 08:32 pm IST
Related Topics
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.