Thiruvananthapuram, May 10 – Senior Congress leader and former Defence Minister A K Antony on Saturday expressed full support for the Indian armed forces in the wake of escalating tensions with Pakistan. Addressing the media in the Kerala capital, Antony said the central government had rightly empowered the armed forces to take appropriate action and that he stood by them unequivocally.
Tensions between India and Pakistan surged following Operation Sindoor, under which Indian forces launched precision strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These operations were carried out in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which was linked to cross-border elements.
Antony also urged both the government and the people of Kerala to extend support and reassurance to the families of soldiers from the state deployed along the borders.
Praise for KPCC Revamp and Call for Youth Engagement
The veteran Congress leader welcomed the recent reshuffle in the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), describing it as a strategic move that combines experience with fresh energy. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) recently appointed Sunny Joseph, a three-time MLA, as the new KPCC chief, replacing K Sudhakaran MP.In a notable shift towards youth empowerment, the party also named P C Vishnunadh, A.P. Anil Kumar, and Shafi Parambil as working presidents. Additionally, Adoor Prakash was appointed convenor of the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), succeeding M M Hassan.
Antony said the new appointments reflect the party high command’s trust in the younger leadership. He shared that he had personally encouraged Vishnunadh to engage Kerala’s youth in politics, emphasizing that this would be key to strengthening the party for upcoming local body elections and the 2026 state assembly polls.
KPCC's New Leadership Vows Unity and Victory
Present alongside Antony, newly appointed working president Vishnunadh pledged collective effort to fortify the Congress in Kerala.With a mix of senior leadership and emerging youth voices, the Congress in Kerala appears to be gearing up for a more dynamic political future.