Final minute suspense and unchanged tactics; New guard for BJP Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP state president selection in Kerala is unique in its process. There would be no competition and only one nomination would reach the leadership. The same practice prevailed this time too.

At the party's state core committee meeting held on Sunday, Prakash Javadekar put forward Rajeev Chandrasekhar's name, making other names irrelevant. The names of veteran leaders M.T. Ramesh, Shobha Sarendran, and V. Muraleedharan were on the list of possible candidates to take up the reins of BJP Kerala. There were strong indications that K Surendran was likely to continue in the post, minding the upcoming local body elections.

30 National Council members also submitted their nomination papers. The function held at the BJP state office was attended by state president K. Surendran, Union ministers Suresh Gopi, and George Kurien, former Union minister V. Muraleedharan, National Executive Committee members P.K. Krishnadas, Kummanam Rajasekharan, state vice-presidents Shobha Surendran, A.N. Radhakrishnan, K.S. Radhakrishnan, state general secretaries M.T. Ramesh, C. Krishnakumar, P. Sudheer and others.

BJP remains an enigma for political observers in Kerala. Even after losing consecutive elections since 1980, the saffron party only arrived with more vigour the next time. It was only after securing a third consecutive win in New Delhi, that the BJP could open an account in Kerala. Their perseverance is unmatched. Every time, the BJP would experiment with new tactics in the state with some even proving worthy.

Even while placing grassroots politicians like V Muraleedharan, and Shobha Surendran to contest the LS 2024 elections, BJP also placed seasoned politicians Suresh Gopi, Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Anil Antony on the list. No contemporary political outfit would have the guts to bring new players into the forefront by sidelining the veterans. However, the BJP machinery is well-oiled and vast, which made the often arduous task look simple.

The BJP central leadership had advised its workers in the state not to engage in time-wasting political stunts like protests or marches for every trivial issue.