Rajeev Chandrasekhar's reign signals BJP's new approach in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rajeev Chandrasekhar has been appointed as the new president of BJP in Kerala, marking a significant move in the state's political landscape. The decision was made during the BJP's state core committee meeting in Thiruvananthapuram, where Prakash Javadekar proposed his name. Political analysts view this as a strategic step by the central leadership to strengthen the party's presence in Kerala.

Initially, Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed his reluctance to take up the role. However, the central leadership insisted on his appointment, believing his influence could attract Kerala's youth and boost the party's social media presence. Following these instructions, Rajeev submitted his nomination papers to Narayanan Namboothiri, the state's Assistant Returning Officer, upon his arrival in Thiruvananthapuram yesterday. The official announcement of his presidency is scheduled for today at the Kowdiyar Uday Palace Convention Center.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar's candidacy against Shashi Tharoor in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency previously hinted at the BJP's strategy to introduce fresh faces in Kerala politics. In the last Lok Sabha elections, the BJP focused on development as its campaign theme. This approach helped the party secure significant vote shares in Thrissur, Alappuzha, and Attingal.

The Left Front continues to emphasize knowledge development and industrial growth, while the UDF promotes new-generation leaders like Shashi Tharoor. Against this backdrop, the BJP's choice of Rajeev Chandrasekhar, known for his modern political approach and tech-savvy image, reflects its ambition to reshape Kerala's political dynamics.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, born in Ahmedabad in 1964, has roots in Deshamangalam, Thrissur. He is the son of M.K. Chandrasekhar, a former Air Force officer, and Valli Chandrasekhar. He later moved to Bengaluru and married Anju, the daughter of BPL founder TPG Nambiar. Rajeev has two children, Ved and Vedika. As an industrialist, he led BPL into the telecom sector and has served three consecutive terms in the Rajya Sabha since 2006. He was the Union Minister of State from 2021 to 2024 and has held prominent roles within the BJP, including Vice Chairman of the Kerala NDA and national spokesperson.