Kerala Congress Demands Cabinet Rank for P.J. Joseph in Coalition Shake-Up

The Kerala Congress has formally requested an 'honourable accommodation' with Cabinet rank for its chairperson, P.J. Joseph, from the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala. The demand comes after the state Cabinet recently approved the appointments of IUML leader M.K. Muneer as chairperson of the Administrative Reforms Commission and All India Forward Bloc leader G. Devarajan as Kerala's special representative in Delhi. Party leader Mons Joseph said the issue had been raised earlier and that the Congress had assured discussions to resolve it.

The Kerala Congress, a longstanding ally of the UDF, has been pressing for greater representation in key government positions. The appointments of Muneer and Devarajan are seen as part of the UDF's efforts to placate its allies ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Mons Joseph noted that the party had been promised discussions, and it now expects the Congress to honour that commitment. The demand for Cabinet rank for P.J. Joseph, a veteran politician and former minister, underscores the internal power dynamics within the coalition.

If accommodated, P.J. Joseph's elevation could set a precedent for other allies seeking similar recognition, potentially straining the UDF's cohesion. The Congress party has yet to respond officially, but sources indicate that talks are ongoing. The development is being closely watched as it could impact the alliance's unity and electoral prospects. The next steps likely involve further negotiations between Kerala Congress and Congress leadership to find a mutually acceptable solution.