KPCC President Sunny Joseph Dismisses Church Faction Influence in Congress Decisions
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President Sunny Joseph has firmly stated that decisions within the Congress party are not made on the basis of church factions. His comments come in the wake of strong criticism from the Orthodox Church regarding the recent reorganization of the Youth Congress, specifically concerning the alleged exclusion of leaders like Chandy Oommen and Abin Varkey.
Addressing the media, Joseph asserted that he was not aware of the Orthodox Church’s specific criticisms regarding Chandy Oommen and Abin Varkey being overlooked. He reiterated that organizational matters in the Congress are not determined by religious denominations. While acknowledging that individuals may have opinions on the reorganization, he affirmed that the party takes all such considerations into account.
Joseph conceded that achieving 100 percent satisfaction among all members after a reorganization is challenging, and complaints are an inevitable part of the process. He expressed confidence in the Congress’s robust internal mechanisms to address and resolve any grievances. He further elaborated on his personal vision for smaller, more efficient committees, though he also recognized the necessity of accommodating diverse interests. Joseph clarified that he does not consider a ‘jumbo committee’ unnecessary, as it may be essential to include many individuals who might not secure secretary positions. He emphasized that the Congress has historically maintained communal balance in its functioning.
The Orthodox Church, however, has voiced significant discontent. Geevarghese Mar Yulios, President of the Orthodox Church Youth Movement, warned against perceiving the Orthodox Church as a “drum to be beaten by anyone.” Speaking at an event attended by Chandy Oommen, Mar Yulios highlighted that Abin Varkey and Chandy Oommen represent the youth of their church, and neither plays politics based on religious identity. He stressed that while the Malankara Church has never condoned extremism, there is an arrogance in assuming that those who engage with social responsibility can be disregarded. Mar Yulios cautioned that while the Church strives to produce a good sound, there is a possibility of the tone changing if no other recourse is left.
Reports circulating had indicated that discussions during the state Congress leadership change saw demands for a Christian KPCC president, which reportedly led to Sunny Joseph, a member of the Catholic community, assuming the post after 21 years. This move came amidst allegations that Abin Varkey, who garnered an impressive 1.7 lakh votes in the Youth Congress elections, was sidelined in favor of O.J. Janeesh, who received only 19,000 votes, in a reorganization following Rahul Mankootathil’s resignation. This decision was reportedly made to ensure communal balance. Abin Varkey himself had questioned whether his Christian identity was the reason for his exclusion.
Adding to the criticism, Yuhanon Mar Diyas Coro, Metropolitan of the Kottayam Diocese, directly stated that Abin Varkey was unfairly sidelined and Chandy Oommen also faced injustice. He reiterated that the Orthodox Church would communicate its concerns directly to the party leadership.
The unfolding events underscore the delicate balance of caste and communal equations within Kerala’s political landscape, particularly within major parties like the Congress, as they navigate internal reorganizations and leadership appointments.