Kochi: Congress leader K.G. Radhakrishnan is widely seen as the leading contender for the post of Ernakulam District Panchayat President following the United Democratic Front’s decisive victory in the local body elections. Radhakrishnan secured his mandate from the Pampakkooda division, defeating CPI candidate C.T. Sasi, and now stands advantageously placed due to the reservation criteria applicable this term.
The presidency of the district panchayat is reserved for the SC/ST general category in the current tenure. Within the Congress camp, Radhakrishnan is the sole elected representative who qualifies under this category, making his elevation to the top post almost certain. At present, he serves as the president of the Muvattupuzha Block Panchayat, bringing administrative experience to the role.
While the president’s post appears settled, uncertainty continues over the vice president’s position, which has been reserved for women this time. The situation has become complicated after the nomination of the sitting vice president, L.C. George, was rejected. Adding to the challenge, senior women leaders are conspicuously absent from the list of Congress winners in the district panchayat elections. Despite these hurdles, the UDF has comfortably retained control of the district panchayat by winning 25 of the 28 divisions.
At the same time, attention has shifted to the Kochi Corporation, where the UDF has regained power after a five-year hiatus. The Congress leadership is yet to finalize its choice for the mayor’s post, with deliberations still underway. Three women councilors are currently in the reckoning: KPCC General Secretary Deepti Mary Varghese, Mahila Congress State Secretary V.K. Minimol, and Shiny Mathew, who was elected from the Fort Kochi division.
Among them, Shiny Mathew brings prior experience, having served as chairperson of a standing committee during the 2015–2020 term. Though she was considered for the mayor’s position during that period, Soumini Jain went on to serve the full term as mayor. V.K. Minimol is regarded as one of the most seasoned Congress leaders in the corporation and enjoys broad backing from district-level party leadership. Deepti Mary Varghese, a prominent woman leader within the party, has been elected as a councillor for the second consecutive term, strengthening her claim.
Meanwhile, discussions are also progressing on the post of Deputy Mayor. Names such as M.G. Aristotle, Antony Painuthara, Henry Austin, P.D. Martin, and K.V.P. Krishnakumar are being actively debated within party circles.
With key leadership positions yet to be finalized, the coming days are expected to see intense consultations within the Congress as it seeks to balance experience, representation, and political strategy in shaping the new administrations in Ernakulam district and Kochi Corporation.