Priyanka Tiwari
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BJP leader and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar is expected to be appointed as the new president of the Kerala unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), according to PTI. He is the only candidate nominated for the position, and his appointment is anticipated to be formally announced at the party's state council meeting on Monday.
Sources indicated that BJP central observer Prahlad Joshi would confirm the appointment during the event.
Nomination Ceremony Held at BJP State Headquarters
On Sunday, Rajeev Chandrasekhar submitted two sets of nomination papers at the party’s headquarters in the state capital. Several senior leaders, including outgoing state president K Surendran, Kummanam Rajasekharan, V Muraleedharan, PK Krishnadas, MT Ramesh, and Union Ministers Suresh Gopi and George Kurian, were present for the occasion.
Chandrasekhar Brings Extensive Political and Administrative Experience
Aged 60, Rajeev Chandrasekhar has served as Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Jal Shakti. He is a three-term Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka and a former national spokesperson for the BJP. Additionally, he currently serves as vice-chairman of the NDA’s Kerala unit.
In 2024, he contested the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat as the NDA candidate and narrowly lost to Congress MP Shashi Tharoor by 16,077 votes.
Kerala Roots and Business Background
Born in Ahmedabad to Keralite parents, Chandrasekhar has family ties to Thrissur. He is also the son-in-law of TPG Nambiar, founder of BPL Group.
Leadership Change Follows Completion of K Surendran's Term
The leadership change comes as K Surendran completes his five-year term. While speculation surrounded the possibility of his continuation, Surendran stated in a recent interview that he had informed party leadership about his desire to step down.
Party insiders mentioned that leaders Shobha Surendran and MT Ramesh were also considered, but Chandrasekhar emerged as the consensus candidate.
Senior Leaders Support the Appointment
BJP leader Shobha Surendran welcomed the decision, highlighting Chandrasekhar’s leadership skills. MT Ramesh expressed similar confidence, citing Chandrasekhar’s strong performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections as evidence of growing public support.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi said Chandrasekhar could act as a "catalyst" to strengthen the party's structure and expand its reach across the state.
Upcoming Local Elections Pose Immediate Challenge
According to reports by The Indian Express, Chandrasekhar’s immediate focus will be the October local body elections, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram. A win in the municipal corporation could boost BJP's prospects in the Nemam and Kazhakootam Assembly segments, areas where the party already has a significant base.
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