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{{Other uses|Kerala Congress (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Other uses|Kerala Congress (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox Indian political party
{{Infobox Indian political party
|party_name        = Kerala Congress
|party_name        = Kerala Congress
|party_logo        = [[File:Kerala-Congress-flag.svg|200px|border]]
|party_logo        = [[File:Kerala-Congress-flag.svg|200px|border]]
|colorcode          = {{Kerala Congress/meta/color}}
|colorcode          = {{party color|Kerala Congress}}
|abbreviation      = KEC
|abbreviation      = KC
|foundation        = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1964|10|09}}
|foundation        = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1964|10|09}}
|founder            =* Mathachan Kuruvinakunnel
|founder            =
* [[K. M. George (politician)|K. M. George]]
* [[K. M. George (politician)|K. M. George]]
* [[R. Balakrishna Pillai]]
* [[Mannathu Padmanabha Pillai]]  
* [[Mannathu Padmanabha Pillai]]  
* [[R. Balakrishna Pillai]]
* Mathachan Kuruvinakunnel
|chairman          = [[P. J. Joseph]]<ref>https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2021/apr/28/p-j-joseph-elected-kerala-congress-chairman-2295683.html</ref>
|chairman          = [[P. J. Joseph]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2021/apr/28/p-j-joseph-elected-kerala-congress-chairman-2295683.html|title = PJ Joseph elected Kerala Congress chairman}}</ref>
|headquarters      = State Committee Office,
|headquarters      = State Committee Office,
Near Star Theatre junction, [[Kottayam]], [[Kerala]]
Near Star Theatre junction, [[Kottayam]], [[Kerala]]
|eci              = Registered-Unrecognized
|eci              = Registered-Unrecognized
|alliance          =* [[United Democratic Front (Kerala)|United Democratic Front (UDF)]](1964-1989) , (2021-Present)
|alliance          =* [[United Democratic Front (Kerala)|United Democratic Front (UDF)]](1964-1989) , (2010-Present)
*[[Left Democratic Front (Kerala)]](1989-2016)
*[[Left Democratic Front (Kerala)]](1989-2010)
*[[National Democratic Alliance]] (2016-2021)
|loksabha_seats    = {{Composition bar|0|543|{{party color|Kerala Congress}}}}
|loksabha_seats    = {{Composition bar|0|543|{{Kerala Congress/meta/color}}}}
|rajyasabha_seats  = {{Composition bar|0|245|{{party color|Kerala Congress}}}}
|rajyasabha_seats  = {{Composition bar|0|245|{{Kerala Congress/meta/color}}}}
|state_seats_name  = [[Kerala Legislative Assembly]]
|state_seats_name  = [[Kerala Legislative Assembly]]
|state_seats      = {{Composition bar|2|140|{{Kerala Congress/meta/color}}}}
|state_seats      = {{Composition bar|2|140|{{party color|Kerala Congress}}}}
|ideology          = Welfare of toiling class
|ideology          = Welfare of toiling class
|youth            = Kerala Youth Front
|youth            = Kerala Youth Front
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|colours            = Half white and half red
|colours            = Half white and half red
|symbol            = [[File:Indian Election Symbol Cycle.png|150px|Kerala Congress Symbol will allotted to them when they were recognized parties]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ceo.kerala.gov.in/pdf/SYMBOLS/ElectionSymbols.pdf|title=unrecognized political parties and the symbols allotted to them when they were recognized parties|date=3 June 2021|website=Wayback eci|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603024808/http://www.ceo.kerala.gov.in/pdf/SYMBOLS/ElectionSymbols.pdf|archive-date=3 June 2021}}</ref>  
|symbol            = [[File:Indian Election Symbol Cycle.png|150px|Kerala Congress Symbol will allotted to them when they were recognized parties]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ceo.kerala.gov.in/pdf/SYMBOLS/ElectionSymbols.pdf|title=unrecognized political parties and the symbols allotted to them when they were recognized parties|date=3 June 2021|website=Wayback eci|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603024808/http://www.ceo.kerala.gov.in/pdf/SYMBOLS/ElectionSymbols.pdf|archive-date=3 June 2021}}</ref>  
}}
|split=[[Indian National Congress]]}}


'''Kerala Congress'''  is a [[political party]] in [[Kerala]], [[India]] founded In 1964. By the leadership of Mathachan Kuruvinakunnel, [[K. M. George (politician)|K. M. George]], [[R. Balakrishna Pillai]] And [[Mannathu Padmanabha Pillai]]. From 1979 Kerala Congress publicly known As [[Kerala Congress (Joseph)]] Or Kerala Congress (J) And [[P.J Joseph]] was the chairman until 2010, and again since 2021.
'''Kerala Congress'''  is a [[political party]] in [[Kerala]], [[India]] founded In 1964. By the leadership of [[K. M. George (politician)|K. M. George]], [[R. Balakrishna Pillai]], [[Mannathu Padmanabha Pillai]] and Mathachan Kuruvinakunnel.


==History==
==History==
{{Main|Splits And Mergers Of Kerala Congress}}
{{Main|Splits And Mergers Of Kerala Congress}}
The Kerala Congress was founded in 1964 from a split in the ruling [[Indian National Congress]].<ref>https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/the-long-history-of-kerala-congress-splits-factions-from-mani-to-son-6843627/</ref> Following a scandal in 1963, Kerala Chief Minister [[R. Sankar]] removed Home Minister [[P. T. Chacko]] from his cabinet; who died in 1964. Fifteen of Chacko’s colleagues led by [[K. M. George (politician)|K. M. George]] toppled Sankar in a no-confidence motion. George and [[R. Balakrishna Pillai]] formed Kerala Congress with the backing of [[Mannath Padmanabhan]].<ref>https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/50-years-on-kerala-congress-tries-to-redefine-itself/article6482669.ece</ref>
The Kerala Congress was founded in 1964 from a split in the ruling [[Indian National Congress]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/the-long-history-of-kerala-congress-splits-factions-from-mani-to-son-6843627/|title = The long history of Kerala Congress splits & factions, from Mani to son|date = 23 October 2020}}</ref> Following a scandal in 1963, Kerala Chief Minister [[R. Sankar]] removed Home Minister [[P. T. Chacko]] from his cabinet; who died in 1964. Fifteen of Chacko’s colleagues led by [[K. M. George (politician)|K. M. George]] toppled Sankar in a no-confidence motion. George and [[R. Balakrishna Pillai]] formed Kerala Congress with the backing of [[Mannath Padmanabhan]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/50-years-on-kerala-congress-tries-to-redefine-itself/article6482669.ece|title=50 years on, Kerala Congress tries to redefine itself|newspaper=The Hindu|date=9 October 2014|last1=Jacob|first1=George}}</ref>


Kerala Congress Grew under [[K. M. George (politician)|K. M. George]]., and [[R. Balakrishna Pillai]] was another founding leader of the party.
Kerala Congress Grew under [[K. M. George (politician)|K. M. George]]., and [[R. Balakrishna Pillai]] was another founding leader of the party.
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Besides these two leaders, [[K. M. Mani]] and [[P. J. Joseph]], the youth front leader rose as prominent leaders of the party. After the death of K. M. George in 1976, there was a tussle for control over the party between Pillai, Mani, and Joseph. Pillai felt he would be the [[De facto#Politics|de facto leader]] of the party as the senior-most leader. However, Mani and Joseph had more followers.
Besides these two leaders, [[K. M. Mani]] and [[P. J. Joseph]], the youth front leader rose as prominent leaders of the party. After the death of K. M. George in 1976, there was a tussle for control over the party between Pillai, Mani, and Joseph. Pillai felt he would be the [[De facto#Politics|de facto leader]] of the party as the senior-most leader. However, Mani and Joseph had more followers.


In the year 1977, just before the Assembly elections, R. Balakrishna Pillai announced a split from the parent Kerala Congress. This group came to be known as [[Kerala Congress (Balakrishna Pillai)]] with R. Balakrishna Pillai as the Chairman.  
In the year 1977, just before the Assembly elections, R. Balakrishna Pillai announced a split from the parent Kerala Congress. This group came to be known as [[Kerala Congress (Balakrishna Pillai)]] with R. Balakrishna Pillai as the Chairman.


Kerala Congress was again split in the year 1979, [[K. M. Mani]] announced a split from the parent Kerala Congress, owing to the difference of opinions with [[P. J. Joseph]]. This group came to be known as [[Kerala Congress (Mani)]] with [[K. M. Mani]] as the Chairman.
Kerala Congress was again split in the year 1979, [[K. M. Mani]] announced a split from the parent Kerala Congress, owing to the difference of opinions with [[P. J. Joseph]]. This group came to be known as [[Kerala Congress (Mani)]] with [[K. M. Mani]] as the Chairman.


== Kerala Congress (P.J Joseph Era) (1979-2010) ==
== Kerala Congress (P.J Joseph Era) (1979-2010) ==
{{Main|Kerala Congress (Joseph)}}
{{Main|Kerala Congress (Joseph)}}
After [[K. M. Mani|K.M Mani]] and [[R. Balakrishna Pillai]]'s departure from the Parent Kerala Congress party, the media started to address Kerala Congress as Kerala Congress (J) Or [[Kerala Congress (Joseph)]] Or simply Joseph Group.  
After [[K. M. Mani|K.M Mani]] and [[R. Balakrishna Pillai]]'s departure from the Parent Kerala Congress party, the media started to address Kerala Congress as Kerala Congress (J) Or [[Kerala Congress (Joseph)]] Or simply Joseph Group.


However Splinter fractions of [[R. Balakrishna Pillai]] and [[K. M. Mani]] Merged with parent Kerala Congress Led By [[P. J. Joseph]] On 1985  
However Splinter fractions of [[R. Balakrishna Pillai]] and [[K. M. Mani]] Merged with parent Kerala Congress Led By [[P. J. Joseph]] On 1985


But these parties again split in 1987 by K, M Mani, after the split 1987 there is a big legal battle for the name and symbol between [[P.J Joseph]] and [[K.M Mani]] and the court was ruled in favor of PJ Joseph. In 1989 R Balakrishnan Pillai also left Parent Kerala Congress.  
But these parties again split in 1987 by K, M Mani, after the split 1987 there is a big legal battle for the name and symbol between [[P.J Joseph]] and [[K.M Mani]] and the court was ruled in favor of PJ Joseph. In 1989 R Balakrishnan Pillai also left Parent Kerala Congress.


P.J Joseph was minister several times Until 2010 representing Kerala Congress
P.J Joseph was minister several times Until 2010 representing Kerala Congress
===Merger With Kerala Congress (M) And Dissolved (2010-2015) ===
 
In 2010 One of the founder's son [[P. C. Thomas]] Joined Party. He was [[Kerala Congress (M)]] member until 2001 later formed his own party called IFDP.  
=== Merger With Kerala Congress (M) And Dissolved (2010-2015) ===
In 2010 One of the founder's son [[P. C. Thomas]] Joined Party. He was [[Kerala Congress (M)]] member until 2001 later formed his own party called IFDP.


Later that year [[Kerala Congress (J)|Kerala Congress]]  and [[Kerala Congress (M)]] decide to merge into one party. [[P. C. Thomas]] did not support this merger and made his own fraction called [[Kerala Congress (Anti-merger Group)]].
Later that year [[Kerala Congress (J)|Kerala Congress]]  and [[Kerala Congress (M)]] decide to merge into one party. [[P. C. Thomas]] did not support this merger and made his own fraction called [[Kerala Congress (Anti-merger Group)]].
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=== Alliance with NDA (P.C Thomas Era (2016-2021)) ===
=== Alliance with NDA (P.C Thomas Era (2016-2021)) ===
P.C Thomas was a chairman of [[Kerala Congress (Anti-merger Group)]]. since 2014 a power struggle erupted on that party . on 2015 Thomas left [[Kerala Congress (Anti-merger Group)]] and form [[Kerala Congress (Thomas)]] but [[Left Democratic Front (Kerala)]] did not approve this split. and kicked out Thomas from their alliance.
P.C Thomas was a chairman of [[Kerala Congress (Anti-merger Group)]]. since 2014 a power struggle erupted on that party . on 2015 Thomas left [[Kerala Congress (Anti-merger Group)]] and form [[Kerala Congress (Thomas)]] but [[Left Democratic Front (Kerala)]] did not approve this split. and kicked out Thomas from their alliance.


In 2015 August, the Kerala Congress faction led by P. C. Thomas join the Kerala unit of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]-led [[National Democratic Alliance (India)|National Democratic Alliance]] (NDA).<ref>{{cite news|date=2 August 2015|title=P.C. Thomas in NDA fold|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/pc-thomas-in-nda-fold/article7491247.ece|access-date=10 September 2019}}</ref>
In 2015 August, the Kerala Congress faction led by P. C. Thomas join the Kerala unit of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]-led [[National Democratic Alliance (India)|National Democratic Alliance]] (NDA).<ref>{{cite news|date=2 August 2015|title=P.C. Thomas in NDA fold|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/pc-thomas-in-nda-fold/article7491247.ece|access-date=10 September 2019}}</ref>


In 2016, After a long legal battle [[P. C. Thomas]] Received approval to use the name as bracket less Kerala Congress party. So Thomas dissolved [[Kerala Congress (Thomas)]] and revived Kerala Congress
In 2016, After a long legal battle [[P. C. Thomas]] Received approval to use the name as bracket less Kerala Congress party. So Thomas dissolved [[Kerala Congress (Thomas)]] and revived Kerala Congress


PC Thomas contested from Kottayam (Lok Sabha constituency) for NDA<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/scaria-thomas-is-chief-of-proldf-kerala-congress/article6976788.ece|title=Scaria Thomas is chief of pro-LDF Kerala Congress|author=Jacob, George|date=10 March 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=10 September 2019}}</ref> on [[2019 Indian general election]]
PC Thomas contested from Kottayam (Lok Sabha constituency) for NDA<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/scaria-thomas-is-chief-of-proldf-kerala-congress/article6976788.ece|title=Scaria Thomas is chief of pro-LDF Kerala Congress|author=Jacob, George|date=10 March 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=10 September 2019}}</ref> on [[2019 Indian general election]]
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Since 2016 to 2021 Kerala Congress was in an alliance with [[National Democratic Alliance (India)|National Democratic Alliance]] (NDA)
Since 2016 to 2021 Kerala Congress was in an alliance with [[National Democratic Alliance (India)|National Democratic Alliance]] (NDA)


On 2021 March 17 the party left the [[National Democratic Alliance]] (NDA) later [[Kerala Congress (Joseph)]], which is part of the Congress-led [[United Democratic Front (Kerala)|United Democratic Front]] (UDF) merged into bracket less '''Kerala Congress'''.<ref>https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kerala-congress-thomas-faction-leaves-nda-ahead-of-assembly-polls-101615965428492.html</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=P C Thomas to quit NDA; to merge with P J Joseph|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/p-c-thomas-to-quit-nda-to-merge-with-p-j-joseph-1.5522785|access-date=2021-03-17|website=Mathrubhumi|language=en}}</ref> which Makes [[P. J. Joseph]] as Kerala Congress Party Chairman Again
On 2021 March 17 the party left the [[National Democratic Alliance]] (NDA) later [[Kerala Congress (Joseph)]], which is part of the Congress-led [[United Democratic Front (Kerala)|United Democratic Front]] (UDF) merged into bracket less '''Kerala Congress'''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kerala-congress-thomas-faction-leaves-nda-ahead-of-assembly-polls-101615965428492.html|title = Kerala Congress Thomas faction leaves NDA ahead of assembly polls|date = 17 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=P C Thomas to quit NDA; to merge with P J Joseph|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/p-c-thomas-to-quit-nda-to-merge-with-p-j-joseph-1.5522785|access-date=2021-03-17|website=Mathrubhumi|language=en}}</ref> which Makes [[P. J. Joseph]] as Kerala Congress Party Chairman Again


=== 2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election ===
=== 2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election ===
[[File:Indian_Election_Symbol_Tractor_Chalata_Kisan.png|alt=Symbol Used In 2021 El|border|right|150x150px|Symbol Used In 2021 Elections]]
[[File:Indian_Election_Symbol_Tractor_Chalata_Kisan.png|alt=Symbol Used In 2021 El|border|right|150x150px|Symbol Used In 2021 Elections]]
After the merger with Kerala Congress , [[PJ Joseph]] and [[Mons Joseph]] resigned from MLA post to avoid the technicalities regarding the Anti-Defection<ref>https://www.thehindu.com/elections/kerala-assembly/two-kerala-congress-legislators-resign/article34107498.ece</ref> Law as they had won the assembly election in 2016 in Kerala Congress (M) tickets<ref>https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/joseph-mons-quit-as-mlas-uncertainty-looms-over-symbol-1.5527836</ref><ref>https://www.thehindu.com/elections/kerala-assembly/kerala-elections-kerala-congress-in-a-bind-over-election-symbol/article34117906.ece</ref>
After the merger with Kerala Congress , [[PJ Joseph]] and [[Mons Joseph]] resigned from MLA post to avoid the technicalities regarding the Anti-Defection<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/kerala-assembly/two-kerala-congress-legislators-resign/article34107498.ece|title = Two Kerala Congress legislators resign|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 19 March 2021|last1 = Radhakrishnan|first1 = S. Anil}}</ref> Law as they had won the assembly election in 2016 in Kerala Congress (M) tickets<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/joseph-mons-quit-as-mlas-uncertainty-looms-over-symbol-1.5527836|title=Joseph, Mons quit as MLAs; uncertainty looms over symbol}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/kerala-assembly/kerala-elections-kerala-congress-in-a-bind-over-election-symbol/article34117906.ece|title = Kerala Assembly Elections &#124; Kerala Congress in a bind over election symbol|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 20 March 2021}}</ref>
However 8 out of 10 Candidates of Kerala Congress lost in elections, only [[P. J. Joseph]] and [[Monce Joseph|Mons Joseph]] were re-elected to the legislative assembly from [[Thodupuzha (State Assembly constituency)|Thodupuzha]] and [[Kaduthuruthy (State Assembly constituency)|Kaduthuruthy]] respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|title=With just two seats, PJ Joseph loses battle of Kerala Congress factions|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2021/may/03/with-just-two-seats-pj-joseph-loses-battle-of-kerala-congress-factions-2297710.html|access-date=2021-05-09|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
However 8 out of 10 Candidates of Kerala Congress lost in elections, only [[P. J. Joseph]] and [[Monce Joseph|Mons Joseph]] were re-elected to the legislative assembly from [[Thodupuzha (State Assembly constituency)|Thodupuzha]] and [[Kaduthuruthy (State Assembly constituency)|Kaduthuruthy]] respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|title=With just two seats, PJ Joseph loses battle of Kerala Congress factions|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2021/may/03/with-just-two-seats-pj-joseph-loses-battle-of-kerala-congress-factions-2297710.html|access-date=2021-05-09|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>


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===Leadership===
===Leadership===
On April 27 a meeting convened online by the party leadership in Thodupuzha and chooses P.J Joseph as party chairman<ref>{{Cite web|url=
On April 27 a meeting convened online by the party leadership in Thodupuzha and chooses P.J Joseph as party chairman<ref>{{Cite web|url=
https://www.manoramaonline.com/news/latest-news/2021/04/27/pj-joseph-elected-kerala-congress-chairman.html|title=P J Joseph will be chairman}}</ref> and PC Thomas as working chairman<ref>https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2021/apr/28/p-j-joseph-elected-kerala-congress-chairman-2295683.html</ref>., Mons Joseph has been elected as the executive chairman<ref>https://www.manoramaonline.com/news/kerala/2021/04/27/kerala-congress-pj-joseph.html</ref>., Francis George Johnny Nelloor and Thomas unniyadan as Deputy Chairman, while Joy Abraham<ref>https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kc-factions-formalise-merger/article34423204.ece</ref> is the secretary-general.<ref>https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2021/04/27/pj-joseph-is-kerala-congress-chairman-pc-thomas-working-chairman.html</ref>
https://www.manoramaonline.com/news/latest-news/2021/04/27/pj-joseph-elected-kerala-congress-chairman.html|title=P J Joseph will be chairman}}</ref> and PC Thomas as working chairman<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2021/apr/28/p-j-joseph-elected-kerala-congress-chairman-2295683.html|title = PJ Joseph elected Kerala Congress chairman}}</ref>., Mons Joseph has been elected as the executive chairman<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/news/kerala/2021/04/27/kerala-congress-pj-joseph.html|title=കേരള കോൺഗ്രസ്: പി.ജെ. ജോസഫ് ചെയർമാൻ}}</ref>., Francis George Johnny Nelloor and Thomas unniyadan as Deputy Chairman, while Joy Abraham<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kc-factions-formalise-merger/article34423204.ece|title = KC factions formalise merger|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 27 April 2021}}</ref> is the secretary-general.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2021/04/27/pj-joseph-is-kerala-congress-chairman-pc-thomas-working-chairman.html|title = P J Joseph is Kerala Congress chairman, P C Thomas working chairman}}</ref>


==Notable leaders of Kerala Congress==
==Notable leaders of Kerala Congress==
* [[K. M. George (politician)|K. M. George]] Muvattupuzha, Transport Minister, Founder Chairman
*[[K. M. George (politician)|K. M. George]]  
* [[Mathachan Kuruvinakunnel]] Founder
*[[Mathachan Kuruvinakunnel]]  
* [[C. F. Thomas]], Changanacherry, Kottayam, Khadi & Rural Development Minister
*[[P. J. Joseph]]
*[[P. C. Thomas]]
*[[Mons Joseph]]
*[[C. F. Thomas]]
*[[Francis George (politician)|Francis George ]]
*[[Johnny Nellore]]
*[[Thomas Unniyadan]]
*[[Joy Abraham]]


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 08:52, 7 June 2022

For other uses, see Kerala Congress (disambiguation).


Kerala Congress
AbbreviationKC
ChairpersonP. J. Joseph[1]
Founder
Founded9 October 1964; 61 years ago (1964-10-09)
Split fromIndian National Congress
HeadquartersState Committee Office, Near Star Theatre junction, Kottayam, Kerala
Student wingKerala Students Congress
Youth wingKerala Youth Front
Women's wingKerala Vanitha Congress
Labour wingKerala Trade Union Congress
IdeologyWelfare of toiling class
ColoursHalf white and half red
ECI StatusRegistered-Unrecognized
Alliance
Seats in Lok Sabha
0 / 543
Seats in Rajya Sabha
0 / 245
Seats in Kerala Legislative Assembly
2 / 140
Election symbol
Error creating thumbnail: File missing[2]

Kerala Congress is a political party in Kerala, India founded In 1964. By the leadership of K. M. George, R. Balakrishna Pillai, Mannathu Padmanabha Pillai and Mathachan Kuruvinakunnel.

History[edit | edit source]

Main article: Splits And Mergers Of Kerala Congress

The Kerala Congress was founded in 1964 from a split in the ruling Indian National Congress.[3] Following a scandal in 1963, Kerala Chief Minister R. Sankar removed Home Minister P. T. Chacko from his cabinet; who died in 1964. Fifteen of Chacko’s colleagues led by K. M. George toppled Sankar in a no-confidence motion. George and R. Balakrishna Pillai formed Kerala Congress with the backing of Mannath Padmanabhan.[4]

Kerala Congress Grew under K. M. George., and R. Balakrishna Pillai was another founding leader of the party.

Besides these two leaders, K. M. Mani and P. J. Joseph, the youth front leader rose as prominent leaders of the party. After the death of K. M. George in 1976, there was a tussle for control over the party between Pillai, Mani, and Joseph. Pillai felt he would be the de facto leader of the party as the senior-most leader. However, Mani and Joseph had more followers.

In the year 1977, just before the Assembly elections, R. Balakrishna Pillai announced a split from the parent Kerala Congress. This group came to be known as Kerala Congress (Balakrishna Pillai) with R. Balakrishna Pillai as the Chairman.

Kerala Congress was again split in the year 1979, K. M. Mani announced a split from the parent Kerala Congress, owing to the difference of opinions with P. J. Joseph. This group came to be known as Kerala Congress (Mani) with K. M. Mani as the Chairman.

Kerala Congress (P.J Joseph Era) (1979-2010)[edit | edit source]

Main article: Kerala Congress (Joseph)

After K.M Mani and R. Balakrishna Pillai's departure from the Parent Kerala Congress party, the media started to address Kerala Congress as Kerala Congress (J) Or Kerala Congress (Joseph) Or simply Joseph Group.

However Splinter fractions of R. Balakrishna Pillai and K. M. Mani Merged with parent Kerala Congress Led By P. J. Joseph On 1985

But these parties again split in 1987 by K, M Mani, after the split 1987 there is a big legal battle for the name and symbol between P.J Joseph and K.M Mani and the court was ruled in favor of PJ Joseph. In 1989 R Balakrishnan Pillai also left Parent Kerala Congress.

P.J Joseph was minister several times Until 2010 representing Kerala Congress

Merger With Kerala Congress (M) And Dissolved (2010-2015)[edit | edit source]

In 2010 One of the founder's son P. C. Thomas Joined Party. He was Kerala Congress (M) member until 2001 later formed his own party called IFDP.

Later that year Kerala Congress and Kerala Congress (M) decide to merge into one party. P. C. Thomas did not support this merger and made his own fraction called Kerala Congress (Anti-merger Group).

Eventually, the Kerala Election commission freezes party Name & symbol. which dissolved Kerala Congress.

Revival of Kerala Congress (2016-Present)[edit | edit source]

Alliance with NDA (P.C Thomas Era (2016-2021))[edit | edit source]

P.C Thomas was a chairman of Kerala Congress (Anti-merger Group). since 2014 a power struggle erupted on that party . on 2015 Thomas left Kerala Congress (Anti-merger Group) and form Kerala Congress (Thomas) but Left Democratic Front (Kerala) did not approve this split. and kicked out Thomas from their alliance.

In 2015 August, the Kerala Congress faction led by P. C. Thomas join the Kerala unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).[5]

In 2016, After a long legal battle P. C. Thomas Received approval to use the name as bracket less Kerala Congress party. So Thomas dissolved Kerala Congress (Thomas) and revived Kerala Congress

PC Thomas contested from Kottayam (Lok Sabha constituency) for NDA[6] on 2019 Indian general election

In October 2020, it was reported that P. C. Thomas was leaving NDA and was likely to join the United Democratic Front (UDF).[7] The party however decided to stay in the NDA and extended their support to NDA candidates in the 2020 Kerala local elections.[8]

Kerala Congress (P.J Joseph Era 2.0) (2021- Present)[edit | edit source]

Since 2016 to 2021 Kerala Congress was in an alliance with National Democratic Alliance (NDA)

On 2021 March 17 the party left the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) later Kerala Congress (Joseph), which is part of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) merged into bracket less Kerala Congress.[9][10] which Makes P. J. Joseph as Kerala Congress Party Chairman Again

2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election[edit | edit source]

Symbol Used In 2021 El
Symbol Used In 2021 Elections

After the merger with Kerala Congress , PJ Joseph and Mons Joseph resigned from MLA post to avoid the technicalities regarding the Anti-Defection[11] Law as they had won the assembly election in 2016 in Kerala Congress (M) tickets[12][13] However 8 out of 10 Candidates of Kerala Congress lost in elections, only P. J. Joseph and Mons Joseph were re-elected to the legislative assembly from Thodupuzha and Kaduthuruthy respectively.[14]

Party Organisation[edit | edit source]

Leadership[edit | edit source]

On April 27 a meeting convened online by the party leadership in Thodupuzha and chooses P.J Joseph as party chairman[15] and PC Thomas as working chairman[16]., Mons Joseph has been elected as the executive chairman[17]., Francis George Johnny Nelloor and Thomas unniyadan as Deputy Chairman, while Joy Abraham[18] is the secretary-general.[19]

Notable leaders of Kerala Congress[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "PJ Joseph elected Kerala Congress chairman".
  2. ↑ "unrecognized political parties and the symbols allotted to them when they were recognized parties" (PDF). Wayback eci. 3 June 2021. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 June 2021.
  3. ↑ "The long history of Kerala Congress splits & factions, from Mani to son". 23 October 2020.
  4. ↑ Jacob, George (9 October 2014). "50 years on, Kerala Congress tries to redefine itself". The Hindu.
  5. ↑ "P.C. Thomas in NDA fold". The Hindu. 2 August 2015. Retrieved 10 September 2019.
  6. ↑ Jacob, George (10 March 2015). "Scaria Thomas is chief of pro-LDF Kerala Congress". The Hindu. Retrieved 10 September 2019.
  7. ↑ "Jolt to NDA as P C Thomas' Kerala Congress to quit alliance, likely to join UDF". The New Indian Express. 24 October 2020. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
  8. ↑ "Kerala Congress (PC Thomas faction) announces support to NDA in local body polls". ANI. 5 December 2020. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
  9. ↑ "Kerala Congress Thomas faction leaves NDA ahead of assembly polls". 17 March 2021.
  10. ↑ "P C Thomas to quit NDA; to merge with P J Joseph". Mathrubhumi. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  11. ↑ Radhakrishnan, S. Anil (19 March 2021). "Two Kerala Congress legislators resign". The Hindu.
  12. ↑ "Joseph, Mons quit as MLAs; uncertainty looms over symbol".
  13. ↑ "Kerala Assembly Elections | Kerala Congress in a bind over election symbol". The Hindu. 20 March 2021.
  14. ↑ "With just two seats, PJ Joseph loses battle of Kerala Congress factions". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  15. ↑ "P J Joseph will be chairman".
  16. ↑ "PJ Joseph elected Kerala Congress chairman".
  17. ↑ "കേരള കോൺഗ്രസ്: പി.ജെ. ജോസഫ് ചെയർമാൻ".
  18. ↑ "KC factions formalise merger". The Hindu. 27 April 2021.
  19. ↑ "P J Joseph is Kerala Congress chairman, P C Thomas working chairman".

External links[edit | edit source]

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