Lok sabha elections; BJP left without candidates in four constituencies

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After the LDF and the UDF rushed through the second phase of the parliamentary election campaign, the BJP leaders and cadres find themselves unaware of their own candidates in the four constituencies of the state: Kollam, Ernakulam, Alathur, and Wayanad.

These four constituencies remain without candidates for the NDA, as they were omitted from the fourth phase candidate list announced by the BJP in Delhi yesterday. Despite weeks passing since the party symbol and vote requests were written on the walls with blank space for the candidate's name. Many local leaders and workers have temporarily moved to nearby constituencies where triangular contests are taking place due to frustration.

In Kollam, sitting MP NK Premachandran of UDF and M Mukesh MLA of LDF are engaged in a heated battle. However, the BJP candidate's identity remains obscured, causing tension between Premachandran and the BJP leadership. UDF argues that Premachandran is the most vocal opposition member against Modi and the government.

Confusion persists in the BJP regarding the candidate in Wayanad, where Rahul Gandhi is seeking re-election as the UDF candidate. Due to the unique political situation in Wayanad, a VIP candidate may not be fielded against Rahul. However, the potential candidate could become a prominent leader in the state, intensifying the competition. The party's fifth phase list may include candidates for all four seats in the state.

BJP state leadership believes that the campaign in five constituencies considered A plus in the state, including Thiruvananthapuram and Attingal, has made unprecedented progress. Additionally, Thrissur and Palakkad are witnessing fiery triangular contests. With the Prime Minister's return, the leadership hopes to take the lead in the campaign.