The Kerala Congress party, despite its internal divisions, collectively observed its 61st formation day this past Thursday, October 9, 2025. However, true to its fragmented nature, these celebrations unfolded as distinct events organized by each of its prominent factions across the state.
One of the main groups, the Kerala Congress (M), led by Jose K. Mani, held a crucial secretariat meeting at its Kottayam headquarters. The primary goal was to strategize for the impending local body and 2026 Assembly elections. Mani highlighted what he considered significant legislative victories, such as the Kerala Forest (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Kerala Government Land Assignment (Amendment) Act, 2023. He presented these as monumental achievements since the KC(M) joined the Left Democratic Front (LDF).
Mani confidently asserted that the people of Kerala have enthusiastically embraced the KC(M)’s decisive actions on critical issues like the buffer zone controversy, land assignment legislation, and the Wild Life Protection (Kerala Amendment) Bill, 2025. He believes this public approval, particularly strong in traditional KC(M) strongholds, will translate into substantial electoral gains for the LDF in the upcoming three-tier panchayat and 2026 assembly elections.
The day’s events for the KC(M) commenced with Mr. Mani ceremonially raising the party flag and participating in a cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the party’s enduring legacy.
Meanwhile, the Kerala Congress faction helmed by P.J. Joseph also convened its own meeting at its Kottayam headquarters, with Mr. Joseph inaugurating the proceedings. During his address, Joseph strongly criticized the LDF government and the Travancore Devaswom Board. He accused them of undermining the sanctity of Sabarimala and publicly demanded an apology from both the Chief Minister and the state government.
Joseph further announced that his faction would continue its dedicated protest in solidarity with teachers who were unjustly denied appointments due to the disability reservation policy. P.C. Thomas, the working chairman of this faction, presided over the meeting.
Concurrently, the Kerala Congress (Jacob) opted to host its formation day festivities in Thiruvananthapuram, primarily to accommodate its sole MLA, Anoop Jacob. Speaking at their gathering, Mr. Jacob called for the immediate resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and all members of the Travancore Devaswom Board, citing alleged misappropriation of gold from the revered Sabarimala temple.
The Democratic Kerala Congress also marked the Kerala Congress’s ‘birthday’ in Kottayam. Their meeting, chaired by Parliamentary Party Leader Antony Raju, MLA, was inaugurated by party chairman K.C. Joseph, with working chairman P.C. Joseph delivering a special message.