Thiruvananthapuram: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has stepped up preparations for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, moving to field its senior-most leaders in key constituencies. The party’s state unit has submitted a probable list of candidates for 35 constituencies to the central leadership, with plans to announce nominees first in A-class constituencies where victory prospects are considered strongest.
In the politically significant Nemom constituency, state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar is the top name on the list. Former Union Minister V. Muraleedharan is being considered for Kazhakkoottam, P.K. Krishnadas for Kattakkada, and K. Surendran for Manjeshwaram.
Vattiyoorkavu has emerged as another keenly watched seat, with the name of R. Sreelekha under active consideration. Actor G. Krishnakumar has also been included in the shortlist. Though Sreelekha has reportedly expressed reluctance to contest due to differences with the state leadership, party insiders believe central intervention could change the equation.
State General Secretary M.T. Ramesh is being weighed for Kozhikode and Thrissur, while former DGP Jacob Thomas’s name has also surfaced for Thrissur. In Christian-dominated constituencies such as Thiruvalla and Pala, Anoop Antony and Shone George are among those under consideration. Former state president Kummanam Rajasekharan is likely to be fielded from Chengannur.
Firebrand woman leader Sobha Surendran is being considered for Kayamkulam, with her name also figuring in discussions for Palakkad. Her strong showing in Alappuzha during the Lok Sabha polls has bolstered her prospects. In Malampuzha, C. Krishnakumar is said to be the frontrunner.
The preliminary list was shaped at a high-level election committee meeting held yesterday. After detailed constituency-wise deliberations, the names were finalized by the state president and forwarded to the central leadership for scrutiny. With the election announcement expected soon, the BJP appears poised to unveil its first batch of candidates without delay.
