Congress mulls fielding AICC secretary Mathew Antony from Kanjirappally

Amid reports that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) plans to field Union Minister George Kurian from the Kanjirappally Assembly constituency, speculation is growing that the Congress may opt for a surprise candidate with national appeal for the seat.

Party sources indicated that the Congress central leadership has proposed Mathew Antony, AICC secretary and talent hunt zonal coordinator, as the candidate for Kanjirappally. Mr. Antony, who hails from Changanassery and is currently based in Mumbai, is the son-in-law of a former Supreme Court judge. He serves as the AICC secretary in charge of Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Sources added that a survey conducted by the party’s national leadership showed Mr. Antony receiving more support than local leaders, bolstering his candidacy. His strong family ties and local connections in Kanjirappally are also seen as significant advantages.

With Kerala Congress (M) leader N. Jayaraj seeking a fourth consecutive term in the constituency, and the BJP planning to field Mr. Kurian to consolidate Christian votes, the Congress leadership believes a Catholic candidate like Mr. Antony could have a strategic edge. “Given the involvement of high-profile candidates such as the government Chief Whip and the Union Minister of State, the contest in Kanjirappally cannot be led by local leaders alone,” noted a party leader.

Mr. Antony, a management expert, is expected to benefit from both his professional experience and his longstanding local connections. However, the Congress’s local leadership has reportedly raised concerns, citing the complex communal dynamics of the constituency.

Earlier, Maria Oommen, elder daughter of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and sister of Puthuppally MLA Chandy Oommen, was also considered a potential candidate. Ms. Oommen has expressed interest in contesting from Kanjirappally and has already met various community and spiritual leaders in the area, including Bishop Mar Jose Pulickal.

Currently engaged in social initiatives through the Manna Charitable Trust—ranging from hospital food distribution to supporting women with sewing machines—Ms. Oommen enjoys public goodwill. Nevertheless, reports suggest that neither the ‘A’ group leaders nor the Congress district leadership favour her candidacy.