Idukki (Kerala), Mar 17 (PTI) Kerala Congress (J) Chairman P J Joseph, a 10-time MLA and the oldest member of the previous Kerala Assembly, has opted out of the April 9 polls, paving the way for his son’s entry into politics.
With the KC (J) releasing its candidates’ list on Tuesday, Apu John Joseph, his son, has been fielded from Thodupuzha, the home turf of Joseph, marking a clear generational shift in the party.
The exit of the 84-year-old veteran, who had held significant ministerial portfolios in both the LDF and UDF governments during the past decades, brings the curtains down on a legendary parliamentary career spanning over five decades.
Party sources, however, indicate that Joseph would continue to steer the party even as he steps away from electoral politics.
A prominent Kerala Congress faction, KC(J), is a dominant force in the Christian-dominated central Kerala belt.
A prominent figure in Kerala politics, P J Joseph, began his political journey in 1968 through the Kerala Congress and first entered the state Assembly in 1970.
He has represented the Thodupuzha constituency 10 times in the House, underlining his strong political base in the region.
The leader went on to hold several ministerial portfolios, including Home, over several decades.
During the late 1970s, he had parted ways with veteran leader late K M Mani to form his own faction, Kerala Congress (Joseph).
Other candidates announced by the party include Mons Joseph from Kaduthuruthy, Thomas Unniyadan from Irinjalakuda, Vinu Job from Changanassery, Varghese Mamman from Thiruvalla, Shibu Thekkumpuram from Kothamangalam, Reji Cherian from Kuttanad, and Shaji Ottappally from Kanjirappally.
With Joseph opting out, the upcoming Assembly election marks the culmination of an eventful legislative saga of one of Kerala’s seasoned political leaders. PTI LGK ROH
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