Thiruvananthapuram, Sept 15 (NationPress) Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar nostalgically recounted his first transformative meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which occurred in 2012 when Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

"In 2012, I approached Narendra Modi ji for an audience. At that time, I was an independent MP, having spent six years in public life, filled with more questions than answers. My journey to Ahmedabad was undertaken with modest expectations, yet what awaited me there left an impression that has remained vivid," he shared in a video posted on his X profile.

"On his desk sat a small collection of my writings, essays, and reflections I had published years prior. Upon introducing myself, he did not simply offer the customary nod of a busy politician. Instead, he inquired about an article I had written on governance in 2010, recalling it with such detail that I was momentarily astounded."

"For the first time in my political career, I experienced the exceptional honor of being truly listened to—not just as a name on a list, but as a person engaged in meaningful thought. My words flowed freely, long suppressed. He listened patiently, never interrupting, displaying genuine interest. As our meeting concluded, I asked if I could return for further discussions. His response was succinct yet welcoming: 'Aate Rahiye.'"

"From that day on, I met him every few weeks, enjoying brief but invaluable conversations. These sessions were not just discussions; they were enlightening lessons. They expanded my perspectives, strengthened my convictions, and highlighted that true leadership is not solely about nation-building but also about cultivating those who will contribute to that cause. That initial encounter remains firmly etched in my mind; it was when I recognized that @NarendraModiji is not merely a leader who speaks about growth, but one who fosters it within others," the businessman and former Union Minister expressed.

Chandrasekhar, aged 61, previously served three terms in the Rajya Sabha from 2006 to 2024 and held the position of Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Jal Shakti in the second Modi government from 2021 to 2024.

In 2024, he contested his first Lok Sabha election from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency, facing off against three-time incumbent MP Shashi Tharoor.

Despite losing by over 15,000 votes, he posed a significant challenge to the prominent Congress MP. When many believed his political career was over, he was appointed as the head of the state BJP unit in March this year.