K Surendran might continue as BJP State President; announcement likely tomorrow

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The BJP State President may be announced tomorrow. Current president K Surendran is the frontrunner. If the central leadership decides to let someone new come, Rajeev Chandrasekhar or MT Ramesh may be considered.

The leader will be chosen keeping in mind the upcoming local body elections to be held later this year and the assembly elections next year. The central leadership has assessed Surendran's excellent performance in the Lok Sabha elections as an organisational achievement.

Although there is criticism against Surendran from Kerala, central leaders believe that he has been able to lead the organisational system by avoiding personal interests and groupism within the party.

Meanwhile, those demanding a change point out that since he worked as the state president for five years, he has technically completed two terms. According to the tradition, one cannot continue in the post for more than two consecutive terms.

However, Prahlad Joshi, who is in charge of organisational elections, clarified that since Surendran was on temporary duty for two years and on permanent duty for three years, it has not been two terms. This stance is in favour of Surendran.

If Surendran has to change, the central leadership and the RSS are of the view that a person who can attract all sections is needed. It is indicated that Rajeev Chandrasekhar and MT Ramesh are being considered in that position. However, the disadvantage is that both of them are less close to the grassroots workers. Rajeev Chandrasekhar does not have experience working in Kerala. MT Ramesh works at the intellectual level.

The organisational elections in the state are almost complete. The elections of constituency and district presidents have been completed. New presidents will take charge in all sections by March 15. After that, preparations for the local body elections will begin.