P. J. Joseph

P. J. Joseph is an Indian politician from Kerala and a senior leader of Kerala Congress (Joseph), a constituent of the United Democratic Front (UDF). He is known for his long legislative career and multiple ministerial tenures in the Government of Kerala, particularly in infrastructure-related portfolios.

Over the decades, Joseph has represented the Thodupuzha Assembly constituency several times and has played a significant role in shaping regional politics in central Kerala. He has also been a key figure in coalition negotiations and alliance management within the UDF.

As of 2026, he continues to remain active in politics as a senior UDF leader and a guiding force within Kerala Congress (Joseph).

By Rashmi | Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 03:54:50 PM [IST]

P. J. Joseph Biography

PJ Joseph is one of the prominent leaders of the Kerala Congress. He won the Thodupuzha Assembly constituency nine times and has been a minister in various governments. PJ Joseph joined the Kerala Congress Party in 1968. He won the 1970 Assembly elections as a Congress candidate in his maiden term and won from Thodupuzha 9 times.

It was only in the 2001 assembly elections that PJ Joseph lost; at that time, PT Thomas was the winner. He contested for the Lok Sabha from Muvattupuzha in 1989 and from Idukki in 1991, but lost. PJ Joseph formed his party, the Kerala Congress (Joseph), in 1979 following a split from the Kerala Congress and KM Mani. Later in 1985, Joseph merged with Mani's party. The merger of the United Kerala Congress also took place at the same time. But in 1987, the United Kerala Congress split again.

PJ Joseph was in the United Democratic Front until 1989 and later joined the Left Front. Finally, in 2010, PJ Joseph merged with the Kerala Congress M and joined the UDF. In 2020, following a dispute with Jose K. Mani, the Kerala Congress split again, and Joseph lost the party's name and symbol in 1978. PJ Joseph K was the Home Minister in the AK Antony cabinet. He was the Revenue Minister in the two (1981-1982, 1982-1987) cabinets headed by Karunakaran. Joseph later left the UDF and joined the Left. He then became the Minister of Education in the Nayanar Cabinet. Later in 2006, he also became the Minister of Public Works for a short period in the VS Achuthanandan government.

He was forced to resign from the ministry on November 4, 2006, following allegations that he had mistreated a female passenger during a flight. Following his acquittal, he was sworn in as a minister again on August 17, 2009. From 2011 to 2016, he was the Minister of Irrigation in the Oommen Chandy Cabinet.

After stepping back from ministerial roles, Joseph continued to influence Kerala politics through advisory roles, public commentary, and participation in UDF decision-making forums, maintaining his stature as a senior statesman in the state’s political landscape.

As of 2026, P. J. Joseph remains politically active, contributing to party strategy and alliance deliberations while continuing to be recognised as one of the most experienced leaders within the UDF fold.

P. J. Joseph Personal Life

Full Name	P. J. Joseph
Date of Birth	10 Jun 1941 (Age 84)
Place of Birth	Purapuzha
Party Name	Kerala Congress
Education	M.A
Profession	Agriculturist
Father's Name	P.O. Joseph
Mother's Name	Annamma
Spouse's Name	Dr. Santha Joseph
Spouse's Profession	Rtd. Additional Director of Health Services, Govt. of Kerala
Children	3 Son(s) 1 Daughter(s)
Religion	Christian

P. J. Joseph Net Worth

Net Worth

₹4.19 CRORE

ASSETS

₹4.26 CRORE

Liabilities

₹7.71 LAKHS

Interesting Facts about P. J. Joseph

PJ Joseph married the Additional Director of the Department of Health named Shanta.
A postgraduate in agriculture, Joseph is also active in cattle breeding, milk production, and organic farming

Political Timeline of P. J. Joseph

2026: Continues as veteran leader and advisor in Kerala politics.
2025: Served as a senior political guide within the UDF.
2024: Remained influential in Kerala Congress (Joseph) strategic decisions.
2023: Continued organisational leadership and political mentoring.
2022: Actively involved in alliance coordination within the UDF.
2021: Did not contest Assembly elections; continued as senior UDF leader.
2020: Following a dispute with Jose K. Mani, the Kerala Congress split again, and Joseph lost the party's name and symbol.
2010: P. J. Joseph merged with the Kerala Congress M and joined the UDF.
2009: Following his acquittal, he was sworn in as a minister again from 2011 to 2016. He was the Minister of Irrigation in the Oommen Chandy Cabinet.
2006: Became the Minister of Public Works shortly in the VS Achuthanandan government. He was forced to resign from the ministry on November 4, 2006, following allegations that he had mistreated a fellow women passenger during a flight.
1991: Contested for the Lok Sabha from Idukki but lost.
1989: Contested for the Lok Sabha from Muvattupuzha
1987: The United Kerala Congress split again. P. J. Joseph was in the United Democratic Front until 1989 and later joined the Left Front.
1985: Joseph merged with Mani's party. The merger of the United Kerala Congress also took place at the same time.
1979: P. J. Joseph formed his party, the Kerala Congress (Joseph), following a split from the Kerala Congress and KM Mani.
1978: P. J. Joseph was the Home Minister in the AK Antony cabinet.
1975: Elected Member of the Syndicate of Kerala University
1970: Won assembly election from Thodupuzha seat.
1968: P. J. Joseph joined the Kerala Congress Party.

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