Surendran expresses willingness to step down over poll debacle in Palakkad, complaints of sabotaging winning chances

PALAKKAD: BJP state president K Surendran has expressed his willingness to step down from the post following the poll debacle in Palakkad which is considered as party’s A Plus constituency. However, a section supporting him said that the central leadership has informed that there is no need for him to resign. There was widespread criticism against Surendran in connection with the defeat in the Palakkad election and the drop in more than 10,000 votes, including in the corporation ruled by the party.

However, it is reported that Surendran has informed the central leadership that the reason for the defeat was Shobha Surendran and the 18 municipal councilors supporting her. Surendran faction also alleged that Shobha Surendran's driver crossed votes in Kannadi panchayat.

The municipal chairman had rejected the demand to reduce the user fee for vendors in the Palakkad municipality from Rs 300 to Rs 100. This was a setback for the party. Surendran has also informed the central leadership that councilors Smithesh Meenakshi, Divya and Sabu had worked against the party candidate. Surendran demanded that the incident be investigated under the leadership of Saha Prabhari. Surendran will meet the media at 12 noon today.