Major reshuffle in state BJP; Suresh Gopi likely to be next chief?

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Suresh Gopi, MP and actor who has been making headlines in Kerala for the past few days attending various functions, is likely to lead the party in the state. Suresh Gopi is now directly entrusted with the task of implementing things in Kerala by the central leadership. The MP's star image is also reflected in the programmes. In the wake of the heavy electoral defeat, there are indications from those close to the central leadership that the party will soon go in for a major change of leadership in the party. The central leadership of the BJP is of the view that there should be a reshuffle starting from the booth level.

The BJP suffered a major defeat in the assembly elections. In addition to not being able to increase the number of seats, the loss of Nemom was assessed as a fault of the state leadership. Soon after the election, the Kodakara money heist also put the party on the defensive. State chief K Surendran had the other day handed over a report on the reasons for the defeat in the assembly elections to the national general secretary. After examining this, the party will move on to the next step. There were reports that leaders who had recently joined the party had also approached the central leadership with complaints against the state leadership.

Meantime, state chief K Surendran rejected the news of a change of leadership in the state unit. He said in Delhi they are all just speculations and that he has no information about it. Steps are being taken to strengthen the organizational structure. Even when active in party functions, Suresh Gopi reiterated that the post is not in his mind. The actor said that a politician and not a filmmaker should be in that post.