Preparations Underway for New Kerala BJP President
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Synopsis
On March 21, Pralhad Joshi is set to visit Thiruvananthapuram to commence the process of selecting the new President of the Kerala BJP. Several candidates, including K. Surendran and Sobha Surendran, are in contention for the position, with a unanimous choice expected.
Key Takeaways
- Pralhad Joshi's visit marks the start of the selection process.
- Incumbent K. Surendran aims for another term.
- Sobha Surendran and M.T. Ramesh are also potential candidates.
- Historical victory in Thrissur boosts BJP's morale.
- A unanimous decision is anticipated for the new President.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 21 (NationPress) Senior BJP figure and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi is anticipated to arrive in the Kerala capital on Sunday, initiating the selection process for a new President of the state unit.
Several candidates are vying for the position, including the current President, K. Surendran, who hopes to secure an additional term after taking over in 2020 when former state chief P. S. Sreedharan Pillai was appointed Governor of Goa.
At 60 years old, Surendran has technically served only five years, making it reasonable for him to seek another term.
Among the contenders is the dynamic leader Sobha Surendran, who is favored by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. However, she has strained relations with Surendran and his mentor, former Union Minister V. Muraleedharan, who has previously served as President.
Muraleedharan's name has also surfaced in discussions.
M. T. Ramesh, another senior leader, is eyeing the top position, but lacks substantial support within the state unit, despite his close ties with RSS leadership.
Another potential candidate is former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who posed a challenge to three-time Congress Lok Sabha member Shashi Tharoor in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections before ultimately losing.
The BJP made history with Suresh Gopi's victory in the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat during the 2024 elections, marking its first parliamentary seat in the state, which pleased national leaders who attribute the win to the support from the influential Christian community in Thrissur.
Speculation also surrounds the current Union Minister of State for Fisheries, George Kurian.
Regardless of who ascends to the top position, it is expected to be a unanimous decision. The identity of the new leader will only become clear after Joshi meets with the state party's top officials on Monday.
