Thiruvananthapuram, 19 Feb (H.S.):The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has begun mobilising its senior leadership for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, finalising a probable list of candidates for 35 constituencies and forwarding it to the party’s central leadership for approval. The move signals the party’s intent to make an early and strategic start in constituencies it categorises as “A-class” seats, where it believes it has stronger prospects.
According to party sources, the BJP plans to announce candidates first in these priority constituencies once the election schedule is declared. In Nemom, which the party considers one of its most promising seats, the name of State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar features prominently in the shortlist.
Former Union Minister V. Muraleedharan has been considered for Kazhakkoottam, while P.K. Krishnadas is in contention for Kattakkada. In Manjeswaram, the party has proposed the name of K. Surendran. For Vattiyoorkkavu, former DGP R. Sreelekha is under active consideration, although she has publicly stated that she is not keen on contesting. State leaders believe she may reconsider if persuaded by the central leadership. Actor G. Krishnakumar’s name has also found a place in the list.
BJP State general secretary M.T. Ramesh is being considered for either Kozhikode or Thrissur. In Thrissur, former DGP Jacob Thomas has also emerged as a potential candidate. In Christian-majority constituencies such as Thiruvalla and Pala, the names of Anoop Antony and Shone George are under discussion. Former State president Kummanam Rajasekharan is being considered for Chengannur.
Firebrand woman leader Shobha Surendran is likely to be fielded from Kayamkulam and is also being considered for Palakkad. Her strong performance in the Alappuzha Lok Sabha constituency during the parliamentary elections has reportedly strengthened her prospects. In Malampuzha, C. Krishnakumar is said to have the edge.
The preliminary list was shaped at a meeting of the party’s election committee. After detailed constituency-wise discussions, State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar finalised the names for submission to the central leadership, which will scrutinise the list before granting approval.
Party leaders indicated that the BJP is prepared to release its first list of candidates immediately after the official election notification, underscoring its determination to mount an aggressive and well-planned campaign.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
