BJP Considering Leadership for Kerala Unit
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Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 18 (NationPress) As the BJP prepares for its upcoming organisational elections at both national and state levels, the party's central leadership is deliberating on appointing a new president for its Kerala unit.
A fresh set of office bearers is anticipated to be established in the upcoming year, marking the replacement of the current state president K. Surendran, who has led the party since February 2020, following the appointment of the previous president P. Sreedharan Pillai to a gubernatorial position.
Surendran's selection, which came unexpectedly, yielded mixed results for the BJP in Kerala.
During Surendran's tenure, the party lost its only sitting seat in the Nemom constituency during the 2021 Assembly elections. However, in a turnaround, well-known actor Suresh Gopi secured victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Thrissur, defeating the Congress candidate who placed third.
Gopi's victory margin exceeded 70,000 votes.
The national leadership faces a challenging decision as the state unit grapples with alleged factionalism, particularly between Surendran and former Union Minister of State V. Muraleedharan, alongside leaders such as P. K. Krishnadas and M. T. Ramesh, while the outspoken Sobha Surendran adds to the uncertainty.
On several occasions, the national leadership has conveyed its dissatisfaction with the ongoing factionalism, which is hindering the party's growth in Kerala.
A media analyst, speaking on the condition of anonymity, pointed out a significant issue: the dearth of prominent leaders within the party.
"The current top leaders in Kerala have been present for quite some time, leading to a repetitive roster of candidates during elections. It is crucial for the national leadership to consider unconventional choices and introduce a surprise," the analyst stated.
Exploring unconventional options could involve considering names like former MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar or even Gopi; however, these individuals have limited grassroots connections.
Another potential candidate that may energize the dedicated BJP supporters in Kerala is Sobha Surendran.
Meanwhile, Muraleedharan has explicitly stated that he will not contend for the position he previously held for two terms.
With local body elections set for 2025 and Assembly elections in 2026, all eyes are on the BJP's national leadership.
