Kerala Congress had to spend more than one month to select a minister. At last, Mons Joseph, the young leader won the lotto. A disappointed Surendran Pillai and his loyalists have been left helpless at least in the immediate future. 

P.J. Joseph has been relieved at least temporarily. The newly elected minister says that his position is temporary and whenever party chairman P.J. Joseph is declared innocent by the court, he would resign from the post. Till the last moment, both the leaders (Pillai and Mons) had the hope of getting a ministerial berth. By seniority, Surendran Pillai was eligible to ministerial post. 

When reporters contacted, Pillai said “There was some criteria for the selection of Mons as minister while both of us were equally qualified.” But he didn’t disclose the criteria. Some allege that the whole decision is based on a certain religious bias. The political think-tanks have however opined that something is wrong in the party and in the future, party will likely face problems owing to the issue. 

Mons Joseph is an energetic young leader in the party. He had worked as a student leader of Kerala Congress party and its youth wing. He has been performing well in the assembly and worked with different committees in the assembly. He represents Kaduthuruthy constituency. He is the chairman of the petitions committee of Kerala assembly. However there are no rose petals but thorns ahead in his path because roads in the state are damaged in the worst manner. Even the courts have been criticizing the government for not maintaining roads properly. Under these circumstances, new minister has to face many challenges inside and outside the party.  

At first, party chairman P.J. Joseph denied 'lot of draw' for selecting minister. But later, Surendran Pillai himself said that a lot of draw had been done for the selection. The controversial statements of both the leaders, clearly shows the difference in the party. Mons Joseph is putting it differently. "Non-Christian lobbies in the party are against the decision of selecting Mons by disregarding Pillai’s seniority". 

Ambitious Joseph, temporary winner Mons, and disappointed Pillai will be discussed among political circles. The supporters of Surendran Pillai will break the silence one day and communal allegations will be placed against the party chairman. Coming days, will be decisive for both these leaders. Public works department in the state is a hot target among the political circles. The opposition watches and waits for the new minister. While the inner party conflicts also will disturb the new minister.