How Will Chennithala and Behanan Lead Congress's Poll Efforts in Kerala?
Synopsis
As the Congress party gears up for the crucial Assembly elections in Kerala, senior leaders Ramesh Chennithala and Benny Behanan have been appointed to lead key committees. This strategic move aims to unite factions and enhance the party's electoral prospects against the ruling LDF and the BJP.
Key Takeaways
Ramesh Chennithala appointed as campaign committee chairman.
Benny Behanan leads the manifesto committee.
Focus on balancing experience and visibility.
Committee includes prominent leaders for strategic outreach.
Statewide yatra scheduled to enhance grassroots engagement.
New Delhi, Feb 12 (NationPress) The Congress leadership has taken steps to solidify its organizational framework in Kerala in preparation for the upcoming Assembly elections in April–May. Senior leaders Ramesh Chennithala and Benny Behanan have been appointed to spearhead two critical election committees.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has endorsed the appointment of seasoned legislator and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Ramesh Chennithala as the head of the campaign committee.
Meanwhile, Benny Behanan, a prominent Lok Sabha member, has been designated as the chairman of the manifesto committee.
These dual appointments underscore the party's strategy to balance organizational expertise with parliamentary visibility as it gears up for a challenging electoral battle against the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and a resurgent BJP.
The campaign committee comprises a blend of both national and state-level leaders.
Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor is appointed as the co-chairman, adding national visibility and urban appeal to the campaign strategy.
Other committee members include Lok Sabha MPs Shafi Parambil and Hibi Eden, along with MLAs Roji M. John, C.R. Mahesh, and Mathew Kuzhalnadan, and former Lok Sabha member Remya Haridas, M. Liju, and Deepthi Mary Varghese.
The manifesto committee, led by Behanan, will feature senior parliamentarians Kodikunnil Suresh and Dean Kuriakose from the Lok Sabha, as well as Rajya Sabha member Jebi Mather.
This composition highlights an emphasis on parliamentary experience and policy formulation as the party aims to present a united and coherent vision for the state.
With a clearer organizational structure taking shape, the Congress party is poised to ramp up its grassroots mobilization and policy outreach efforts in the forthcoming weeks.
The leadership appointments indicate a strategic move to consolidate various factions within the Kerala unit while showcasing a united and strategically equipped front for the electoral contest ahead.
This development coincides with the statewide yatra initiated by the Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, which will cover all 14 districts of the state before reaching the capital on March 7.
Point of View
The Congress party's appointments of Ramesh Chennithala and Benny Behanan reflect a significant strategy to unify factions within its Kerala unit. Their leadership roles in the campaign and manifesto committees are pivotal as the party prepares for a challenging electoral battle. This proactive approach is essential for presenting a cohesive alternative vision in a competitive political landscape.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the key leaders appointed by Congress in Kerala?
The Congress party has appointed Ramesh Chennithala as chairman of the campaign committee and Benny Behanan as chairman of the manifesto committee in Kerala.
What is the significance of these appointments?
These appointments signify the Congress party's effort to balance organizational experience and visibility as they prepare for elections against the ruling LDF and BJP.
What other leaders are involved in the campaign committee?
The campaign committee includes notable figures such as MP Shashi Tharoor , alongside other Lok Sabha members and MLAs.
When will the statewide yatra by V.D. Satheesan culminate?
The statewide yatra led by V.D. Satheesan will reach the state capital on March 7 after covering all 14 districts.
