Kerala Assembly polls 2026: P.J. Joseph retires, hands over baton to son

Kerala Congress chief P.J. Joseph has announced his retirement from parliamentary politics, handing the baton to his son, Apu John Joseph, who will contest from Thodupuzha in the upcoming Assembly elections.

The party will contest in eight seats, having ceded Idukki and Ettumanur to the Congress. Alongside Mr. Apu, the party’s candidates include Varghese Mammen (Thiruvalla), Reji Cheriyan (Kuttanad), Vinu Job (Changanassery), Mons Joseph (Kaduthuruthy), Shibu Thekkumpuram (Kothamangalam), Thomas Unniyadan (Irinjalakuda), and Shaiji Ottappally (Kanhangad). This election also sees a strategic seat swap, with the party exchanging Thrikkarippur for Kanhangad.

While Mr. Joseph steps back from parliamentary politics citing health reasons, he has pledged to play an active role in the campaign trail.

A seasoned veteran, Mr. Joseph has served six times as a Minister across both the LDF and UDF, holding key portfolios including Home, Revenue, Education, Public Works, and Water Resources. Since launching his political career in 1968, he has been known for his strategic alliances and dynamic political moves. He has contested 11 times from Thodupuzha, winning 10 elections and has also contested the Lok Sabha once, although without success.