Kerala CM race drags on as Congress MP Benny Behanan jokes at Edappally feast
Senior Congress MP Benny Behanan on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, turned the ongoing suspense over Kerala's next Chief Minister into the punchline of the day — at the storied St. George's Forane Church in Edappally, Kochi, where he was busy stirring giant pots of chicken curry for the church's annual feast. While the Congress high command in Delhi has yet to name a Chief Minister for Kerala, the curry, Behanan quipped, was moving exactly on schedule.
The Setting: A Centuries-Old Feast at Edappally
Popularly known as Edappally Church, the centuries-old Syro-Malabar pilgrimage centre dedicated to St. George draws nearly five million devotees annually. Every year on the feast day of St. George, devotees participate in a beloved tradition: preparing and distributing chicken curry on the church premises. Giant vessels, heaps of spices, and an army of volunteers transform the churchyard into a vast open-air kitchen from early morning. Offerings at the church range from gold to eggs and even live chicken, but the communal curry preparation remains among the most cherished rituals.
Behanan in the Kitchen
Benny Behanan, accompanied by family members, was fully immersed in the culinary operation — sleeves rolled up, navigating giant ladles and steaming pots. He explained his long association with the tradition:
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Congress MP Benny Behanan say about Kerala's Chief Minister?
Benny Behanan quipped at the Edappally Church feast that 'Chief Ministers are prepared only by expert political cooks in Delhi,' and added that it was doubtful whether Kerala would get a new Chief Minister before the day's chicken curry was fully cooked and eaten. His remarks drew loud laughter from the crowd.
What is the Edappally Church feast tradition?
St. George's Forane Church in Edappally, Kochi, holds an annual feast on the feast day of St. George. A beloved tradition involves devotees preparing and distributing chicken curry on the church premises. The centuries-old Syro-Malabar pilgrimage centre attracts nearly five million devotees annually.
Why has Kerala's Chief Minister not been announced yet?
The Congress high command in New Delhi has not yet finalised a Chief Minister for Kerala. Behanan indicated the delay would end 'in a day or two,' but as of the feast day, no announcement had been made.
Who is Benny Behanan?
Benny Behanan is a senior Congress MP who was first elected as MLA from Thrikkakara in 2011. He has maintained a tradition of participating in the annual chicken curry preparation at Edappally Church, which was part of his former constituency.
What is the significance of Edappally Church?
St. George's Forane Church in Edappally is one of Kerala's most prominent Syro-Malabar pilgrimage centres, drawing nearly five million devotees each year. Offerings range from gold to live chicken, and the communal preparation of chicken curry on the feast day is among its most cherished traditions.
