Kalpetta: The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC)  on Thursday appointed Adv T J Isaac, Kalpetta municipal chairman, as the new president of the Wayanad District Congress Committee (DCC).

The exit of outgoing DCC chief N D Appachan, announced earlier in the day, had been planned in advance. Two candidates, K E Vinayan and Isaac, were previously shortlisted for the position. Isaac’s close ties with the state leadership and support from K C Venugopal facilitated his elevation to the district’s top Congress post.

Isaac has previously served as KPCC general secretary, KSU state secretary, KSU district president, and as the standing committee chairperson of Kalpetta municipality for 13 years.

Addressing the media, Isaac said his top priority would be to unify the party in Wayanad. “I will coordinate everyone and bring all under the party leadership,” he said. With local body elections approaching, he added that ensuring a strong performance would be a major focus.

Speaking about his relationship with Appachan, Isaac said: “He was the DCC president when I was KSU president decades ago. Since then, we have maintained a cordial relationship. He is my leader, and I visited him today to seek his blessings.”

Meanwhile, the AICC has co-opted N D Appachan as a member, allowing the senior leader to continue guiding the party. Appachan said his decision to step down was voluntary: “I informed the leadership about my willingness to step down. Congress nurtured me into a leader, and till my last breath, I will continue as a Congressman.”