KOCHI: T.J. Vinod, currently deputy mayor in Kochi Corporation, a staunch ‘I’ faction member, has been elected as president of district congress committee. He replaces V.J. Poulose. The 52-year old senior party leader in Ernakulam entered politics through KSU way back in 1982 and served as the president of the KSU unit at St. Paul’s College, Kalamassery in the same year.
He was elected as a corporation councillor for the first time in 1995 and during the term of previous council headed by Tony Chammany, he served as development standing committee chairman. He has been serving as deputy mayor since November, 2016 and has a significant say in the governance. He is known for his elaborative speech in council meetings. Meanwhile, political speculations are on the next candidate for deputy mayor post. K.R. Prem Kumar, a three-time councillor is likely to be selected to balance the political equation.
