KOTTAYAM: Even as the UDF sharpens its campaign to unseat the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government, the Congress leadership is weighing a surprise move in Kanjirappally, eyeing a national-level face to reclaim the seat from the LDF.
Sources indicate that the AICC leadership has proposed Adv. Mathew Antony, AICC secretary and Talent Hunt zonal coordinator, as the party’s candidate. He's the son-in-law of Justice Cyriac Joseph, hails from Changanassery and is currently based in Mumbai. Mathew Antony is also grand-nephew of freedom fighter Accamma Cherian and K T Thomas (ex-MLA), who are both from Kanjirappally.
He is the AICC secretary in charge of Meghalaya, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.
Party insiders describe Antony as a resourceful organiser with strong academic and management credentials. A survey reportedly conducted by the Congress high command is said to have favoured his candidature over local aspirants.
Others eyeing the seat include Joseph Vazhakkan and Maria Oommen, elder daughter of Oommen Chandy.
Antony traces his roots to the Karippaparambil family in Kanjirappally, giving him a local connect despite his national role. The leadership believes that in a constituency witnessing high-profile interest, the contest cannot be left solely to local leaders.
With Kerala Congress (M) leader N Jayaraj seeking a fourth consecutive term and the BJP reportedly considering Union Minister of State George Kurian to consolidate Christian votes, the Congress feels a Catholic candidate with national exposure could alter the equation.
“If Union Minister George Kurian becomes the BJP candidate, Kanjirappally will garner national attention. In this scenario, the UDF requires a formidable candidate. Mathew Antony, who works at the national level, would be an ideal choice for the constituency,” a Congress leader said.
Antony began his political career with the KSU during his time at Sacred Heart College, Thevara, later serving as president of the KSU unit at Bharat Mata College between 1994 and 1997. A holder of two MBA degrees, he is also known as a management expert.
The party believes his organisational experience in Mumbai and personal networks in Kanjirappally could help energise the campaign. Leaders argue that a candidate with metro-level exposure may bring a new development vision to the constituency.
However, some sections of the local Congress leadership have raised concerns, pointing to the constituency’s delicate communal balance.
“While Kanjirappally is influenced by the Catholic community, a potential consolidation of Hindu votes could disadvantage the UDF,” said senior Congress leader.