Former Thrissur Mayor M K Varghese Makes Unconditional Return to Congress Party
In a significant development for the Congress party in Thrissur district, former mayor M K Varghese has officially rejoined the party fold, delivering a substantial morale boost to local party workers. Varghese, a seasoned Congress leader with several decades of affiliation, had previously served as Thrissur mayor with support from the Left Democratic Front (LDF) after winning the 2020 local body elections as an independent candidate.
Background of the Political Departure and Return
Varghese's initial exit from the Congress occurred when the party denied him a ticket for the 2020 elections, prompting him to contest independently. His successful campaign led to his mayoral tenure, backed by LDF support. Now, in a move he describes as a homecoming, Varghese has returned to the Congress without imposing any preconditions.
"Congress is my ancestral home; this is merely a 'ghar wapsi' or return to the family. When one comes back home, there is no need to set conditions," Varghese stated emphatically, highlighting his deep-rooted connection to the party.
Recent Party Reunifications and Campaign Commitments
This return follows a similar pattern seen earlier with suspended Congress councillor Lali James, who recently rejoined the party after a public apology. James had been suspended following protests over being denied the mayor post after the 2025 local body elections.
Varghese has announced his intention to actively campaign for Rajan Pallan, the Congress candidate in the Thrissur constituency. Pallan, who served as opposition leader during Varghese's mayoral term, is expected to benefit from this endorsement. "Pallan will secure victory in Thrissur, and the United Democratic Front (UDF) will assume power in the state," Varghese predicted confidently.
Clarifications on Political Alliances and Future Plans
Addressing past controversies, Varghese clarified that there was no formal agreement between him and the LDF during his mayoral stint. "I did not approach the LDF; they came to me. After stepping down as mayor, I intended to take a three-month cooling-off period. With that period now concluded, I am declaring my political stance," he explained.
He also addressed speculation about his associations, particularly with BJP leader and Union minister Suresh Gopi, asserting that their interactions were strictly in Gopi's capacity as Thrissur MP and Union minister, not as a political alignment.
Despite rumors suggesting Varghese might contest as a BJP nominee for the Thrissur assembly seat, this did not materialize, with Padmaja Venugopal ultimately being selected as the BJP candidate. Varghese's return to Congress thus marks a consolidation of his political identity within the party he has long been associated with.
