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Amid reports that several Congress MPs in Kerala have expressed interest in contesting the upcoming Assembly elections in 2026, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President Sunny Joseph emphasised that anyone qualified under the law can contest and that it is not yet the time to finalise candidates.
Joseph said, “Who told that MPs are interested in contesting assembly elections? See anybody can contest. They can contest for assembly, Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Panchayat elections. Anybody who is qualified under the People’s Representation Act and Election Commission rules can contest. Who said in that case the opportunities of leaders here are lost? And who said MPs are contesting? Give me one name.”
“Don’t waste time discussing it. It’s not time to decide Congress party’s assembly candidates. We are working on the panchayat elections now. When it’s time, we will think about assembly elections,” the KPCC President said.
The Congress leadership in Kerala believes that the party will return to power with a thumping majority, prompting several MPs to express interest in contesting the Assembly elections. If the party forms the government, these MPs could emerge as frontrunners for key Cabinet positions, given their experience and seniority.
Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, had earlier indicated his interest in contesting and being considered as the Chief Minister face of the party. Other MPs reportedly showing interest include Adoor Prakash, who also serves as the United Democratic Front (UDF) Convenor, Shafi Parambil, and Kodikkunil Suresh.
Responding to the reports, Congress MP from Vadakara Shafi Parambil said he is focused on seeing more UDF Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) elected from Vadakara to the Kerala assembly. “That’s my responsibility. This is what the party has entrusted me with. Not just Vadakara, more MLAs should come from Kozhikode district itself. It’s been years since Congress has had an MLA in Kozhikode. I do understand my responsibilities well and I will work hard to fulfill it,” Shafi said.
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Published On:
Aug 20, 2025
English (US) ·