The BJP in Kerala is accelerating its Assembly election machinery, having drawn up an initial candidate lineup for 35 segments. Stemming from state election committee talks, the three-name-per-seat proposal is now with the central brass for endorsement, amid potential fine-tuning in spots.
Grassroots efforts are in full swing by frontrunners. State chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar targets Nemom, a proven BJP citadel. V. Muraleedharan, central minister, is tipped for Kazhakkoottam, with K. Surendran reassigned to Manjeswaram after deliberations.
Standouts from the meet: Shobha Surendran, MT Suresh, C. Krishnankutty, thespian G. Krishnankutty, R. Srilekha, Karmana Jayan— a strategic fusion of veterans and influencers.
Historically, BJP’s 2016 Nemom win by O. Rajagopal was their lone Assembly feat, lost to CPI(M) in 2021 with Congress trailing. Vote momentum built steadily, hitting 19.24% in 2024 Lok Sabha via Suresh Gopi’s Thrissur breakthrough from 2021’s 12.41%.
Recent local elections mixed triumph—a Thiruvananthapuram Corporation scoop—with a statewide 14.71% dip. Leadership’s prudence on announcements aligns with multi-state coordination.
This roster sets the stage for BJP’s aggressive expansion in Kerala, aiming to convert vote surges into seats and reshape the electoral equation.