The Congress on Tuesday released its first list of 40 candidates for the Kochi Corporation elections, with 22 women included
Kochi: The first batch of candidates for the Kochi Corporation elections shows a deliberate push by the Congress to empower women in local governance.
Out of the 40 candidates announced, 22 are women, exceeding the mandated quota and signifying the party’s commitment to stronger female participation. The list was unveiled at a press conference by District Congress Committee president Mohammed Shiyas, who confirmed that a second list covering the remaining 25 divisions will follow shortly.
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The Congress is contesting 65 of the 76 divisions, with the remaining 11 seats allocated to United Democratic Front (UDF) allies, including the Indian Union Muslim League (7), Kerala Congress (Joseph) (3), and the Revolutionary Socialist Party (1). A notable inclusion in the first list is VP Chandran, a former CPI(M) councillor, contesting from the Vytilla division as a UDF independent under the RSP quota. Shiyas highlighted Chandran’s strong local support and experience as reasons for his candidacy.
KPCC general secretary and sitting councillor Deepthy Mary Varghese, a frontrunner for the mayoral post—which is reserved for women this term—will contest from the Stadium division. Shiyas added that the parliamentary party will select the mayor after the elections, and confirmed that the Congress intends to field more women than the mandatory quota by including them in general divisions as well.
The first list includes both returning councillors and fresh entrants, signalling a balance between experience and new energy. While questions remain about the possible return of former mayor Soumini Jain, Shiyas said any decisions regarding her candidacy will be announced in the second list. He also stressed that internal differences had been resolved to ensure a united front for the elections.
By releasing a women-heavy first list and including a mix of seasoned politicians and newcomers, the Congress aims to strengthen its position in Kochi’s civic polls and present a broad, inclusive front to voters.
Published: 11 Nov 2025, 11:44 pm IST
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