'Kannur's Puyyapla to lead BJP in Kerala, big changes on cards'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP National Vice President AP Abdullakutty heartily endorsed Rajeev Chandrasekhar as state BJP president and said the leader was an apt choice to take the party to the modern era. Abdullakutty rooted in Rajeev to attract more youngsters to the party.

“He hails from Thrissur and is Kannur's Puyyapla (son-in-law in Malabar parlance). More than anything, he is a taskmaster who will do his assigned duty assiduously. He is a three-time Rajya Sabha MP and a shining name in national politics." said Abdullakutty.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar was officially declared the state president at the state council meeting held in Thiruvananthapuram today. The official announcement was made by Prahlad Joshi, who is in charge of the Kerala organization's elections.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar had informed the centre about his apprehension in becoming the state president. However, the central leadership was adamant that Rajeev's presence was essential to attract the youth of Kerala to the party and increase its influence through social media. Following the party's directive, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who reached Thiruvananthapuram at 2:30 pm yesterday, submitted his nomination papers before the state's joint returning officer Narayanan Namboothiri.

BJP leadership brought Karnataka-based Rajeev Chandrasekhar to Thiruvananthapuram with a definite plan. The move was not just to scare the chances of Shashi Tharoor, but there was more than what meets the eye. With Rajeev helming affairs in the party, political observers expect an overhaul in BJP Kerala; certainly with its consequences.