KPCC chief rejects praises, says bypoll result a pointer to 2026

Time of India

11 hours ago

Thiruvananthapuram: KPCC president Sunny Joseph on Friday dismissed the 'Captain-Major' praises that surfaced following the resounding victory of Congress in the Nilambur byelection.
"I am just an ordinary soldier," the KPCC president said.
Addressing a news conference after the KPCC political affairs committee meeting, Joseph described the Nilambur result as a clear pointer to the 2026 assembly elections. "It is a verdict filled with hope, and one that demands correction from the state govt. The grievances of ASHAs, issues faced by high-range residents and other pressing concerns must be addressed urgently," he said.
The KPCC president also launched a scathing attack on the RSS, accusing it of attempting to erase the soul of the Indian republic. Referring to RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale's remarks suggesting the removal of the words 'socialism' and 'secularism' from the Preamble of the Constitution, Joseph said: "This is an effort to dismantle the very foundation of our democracy. The RSS had no role in shaping the Constitution.
It was formed through the vision and commitment of leaders like Nehru and Ambedkar, based on thorough debates and global constitutional principles."
Joseph emphasised that socialism and secularism were introduced during Indira Gandhi's tenure and remain central to the Constitution's character. "Congress will strongly resist any move to undermine democracy, secularism, socialism, and sovereignty. We call upon all secular citizens to join us in protecting these ideals," the KPCC chief said.
Joseph accused governor Rajendra Arlekar of attempting to convert Raj Bhavan into a political platform. "It is highly condemnable that a constitutional institution is being misused for political propaganda. All such attempts must come to an end," he said.
On the Nilambur byelection, Joseph reiterated that the Congress had no alliance or discussions with any other party. "This was a result of hard work, unity and grassroots strength.
It was team effort that earned public approval. P V Anvar is now a closed chapter," he said.
The KPCC political affairs committee formally congratulated voters and party workers for the emphatic win. Joseph noted that the result was a serious setback for the LDF, which has plunged into confusion and internal strife. "The CPM's contradictory statements on its RSS connections exposed deep fissures. Even the CPI assessed the verdict as an expression of public discontent.
The govt must read this message and correct its course," he added.
The KPCC president said the state govt reduced the PSC into a 'rubber stamp' for backdoor appointments. The KPCC political affairs committee also passed a resolution seeking a full investigation into alleged corruption in national highway construction. Joseph questioned why the state was reluctant to act. "Thousands of crores have been siphoned off with political patronage. Even MPs of ruling front have acknowledged the scam," he said.