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 With the All Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association’s (AKCDA) annual general body meeting and elections for the next term's office-bearers set for June 29 in Ernakulam, a significant group of members is reportedly undertaking strategic efforts to unseat the incumbent leadership, notably without publicly presenting an alternative panel.
Information received from reliable sources suggests that this opposition group, while lacking a formal panel, has already aligned on key leadership roles. Philip Anil Cheiryan, AKCDA’s current vice-president from Pathanamthitta district, is reportedly their choice for president, with V. Unnikkannan from Palakkad district slated as their general secretary candidate. This indicates a strategic, informal collaboration working to defeat the current office-bearers who are also seeking re-election.
The race for leadership focuses sharply on the president post, currently held by AN Mohan from Thrissur, a veteran leader who also served as president of the All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) a decade ago. Despite Mohan's re-election bid for the top position, general secretary LR Jayaraj from Kollam has already been unanimously elected as South Zone secretary. So, the key contest remains for the president's post.
Beyond the big fight for president, there will also be elections for the general secretary and central zone convenor. Antony Tharian, a well-known pharma trade leader from central Kerala and former interim secretary in 2013, is running for general secretary with AN Mohan's group. He is up against V. Unnikkannan from Palakkad, who has the support of Philip Anil Cheiryan.
For the central zone convenor, P M Gayos from Idukki and O M Abdul Jaleel from Ernakulam have formally submitted their nominations, ensuring a direct contest for this critical regional role as well.
Meanwhile, some key positions have already been filled without contest. V Anvar from Kunnamkulam, the current treasurer, has been unanimously re-elected for a second term, as there was no opposite candidate. Other positions secured unopposed include South Zone Chairman (J. Jayanarayanan Thampi from Thiruvananthapuram), South Zone Convenor (LR Jayaraj from Kollam), Central Zone Chairman (P. Dileep Kumar from Palakkad), North Zone Chairman (Renjith K.P. from Kozhikode), and North Zone Convenor (Nasar Arakkal from Wayanad).
The crucial Annual General Body Meeting and election proceedings are scheduled to take place at Hotel Abad Plaza in Ernakulam next Sunday, June 29, commencing in the morning.
As per the association's bylaws, voting rights are exclusively held by the general council members. Although AKCDA has over 8,000 members statewide, the total number of eligible voters stands at only 178. The distribution of these votes varies significantly by district committee, Thiruvananthapuram has 15 votes, Kollam 12, Pathanamthitta 9, Alappuzha 17, Kottayam 10, Idukki 7, Ernakulam 17, Thrissur 19, Palakkad 15, Malappuram 20, Kozhikode 14, Wayanad 6, Kannur 11, and Kasaragod 7.
Talking to Pharmabiz, a senior leader from Kozhikode confirmed his support for the challenging group led by Philip Anil Cheiryan. He emphasized a strong desire among members for future-oriented change within the association. He highlighted Cheiryan's extensive 36 years of active involvement and continuous support for chemist members. Philip is currently the managing director of Bigfield Drug Links and CMD of the marketing company, Miraccure Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd in Pathanamthitta and Thiruvalla. Cheiryan is also noted for his close associations with AIOCD president J S Shinde and secretary Rajiv Singhal, underscoring his influence at the national level.
Rajiv Singhal, secretary of the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), is reportedly expected to attend the AKCDA general body meeting on June 29 in Ernakulam as a central observer.
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