Thiruvananthapuram,Oct 17
In a political career spanning over four decades, few journeys capture the spirit of unwavering loyalty and conviction like that of the newly reappointed Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) General Secretary. For him, this second term at the party’s state helm is not merely a continuation of duty, but a reaffirmation of a lifelong bond with the Indian National Congress — a bond that began in the idealism of youth and deepened through decades of service.
His tryst with the Congress dates back to 1982, when as a tenth-grade student at the Attakulangara Government Central High School in Thiruvananthapuram, he was elected school leader from the Kerala Students’ Union (KSU) panel. School representatives were then included in the KSU City Committees, and he soon became part of the Thiruvananthapuram City Committee — marking the beginning of a political journey rooted in the values of student activism and democratic engagement.
It was around this time that destiny offered him a moment that would define his path forever — his first glimpse of Indira Gandhi. He vividly recalls that day at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium: a grandly decorated stage, and the former Prime Minister radiantly draped in a golden saree, addressing an electrified crowd. Her words, delivered with passion and power, stirred in him a dream — to dedicate his life to the Congress. Standing close enough to see her speak, he describes that encounter as one of the most emotional moments of his political life, a moment that continues to inspire him even today.
From those formative years, the tricolour became a symbol of purpose — one he has held high ever since. His political rise within the organisation was steady and consistent. He served as President of KSU Thiruvananthapuram City, later becoming Youth Congress Ward President and subsequently District President of the Youth Congress. This was followed by five years as General Secretary of the Thiruvananthapuram District Congress Committee (DCC), seven years as KPCC Secretary, two years as KPCC General Secretary, and four years as a member of the KPCC Executive. He also served as Co-Chairman of the Congress War Room (Kerala unit), contributing significantly to organisational strategy and election coordination.
Over the course of his 43-year political journey, the party has placed in him immense trust and numerous responsibilities. His leadership has been marked by quiet persistence, organisational discipline, and a deep ideological commitment to the Congress’s core values.
To him, the Congress is not merely a political party, but “the heartbeat, the soul, and the backbone of this great nation.” As he steps into his second term as KPCC General Secretary, he views the role as both an honour and a call to renewed duty — particularly in an era where divisive ideologies threaten India’s pluralist ethos.
He has often reiterated his admiration for Rahul Gandhi, whom he describes as “a visionary leader striving to restore the spirit of democracy to the nation.” He considers it a privilege to serve during Rahul Gandhi’s transformative leadership, which he sees as a battle to reclaim India’s moral and democratic foundations.
Throughout his journey, he has worked closely with several senior leaders, including former KPCC Presidents Ramesh Chennithala, V.M. Sudheeran, M.M. Hassan, and Mullappally Ramachandran — each of whom, he says, shaped his understanding of leadership and responsibility. He also holds deep gratitude to the late G. Karthikeyan, whose mentorship he describes as a guiding light in his political life.
He expresses heartfelt thanks to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and senior leader A.K. Antony for their continued faith and encouragement. He also shares a special bond with K.C. Venugopal, whom he describes as “a friend, leader, and brother” — a relationship that has endured from his student politics days to the present.
Equally important to him are the countless Congress workers who stood by his side through decades of political campaigns and public struggles. He extends gratitude to media professionals “who keep political life alert and accountable,” and to the wider public, whose trust and encouragement, he believes, are the true sources of his motivation.
As he takes charge once again as KPCC General Secretary, he carries with him the same ideals that first lit his path in 1982 — faith in the Congress, belief in democracy, and a lifelong commitment to India’s secular and inclusive spirit.
