THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It has been alleged that BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai had handed over the short list of candidates without consulting with anyone in the party. There was a resentment among the party members. A shortlist of three candidates for each constituency was prepared. However, other leaders clarified that the party has not prepared such a list. When Pillai told reporters that they have prepared such a list, other leaders said that they were not consulted about such a list. District presidents also said that they were also not aware of such a list.

Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan is named as the most probable candidate for Thiruvananthapuram constituency, according to the BJP list. K Surendran has his chances in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur or Kasaragod. The list also has Mahesh Mohanaru, Alphons Kannanthanam or Sasikumar Varma for Pathanamthitta, while Shobha Surendran is tipped for Palakkad or Attingal. PK Krishnadas is also in the run for Attingal seat.On party's NDA ally Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), Sreedharan Pillai said discussions with BDJS were complete and a final decision would be taken by the party top brass. The list will see some changes if BDJS chief Thushar Vellappally decides to contest.Thrissur, demanded by BDJS, could see AN Radhakrishnan contest, unless Thushar Vellappally himself stakes claim.Pillai said Congress is trying to dishearten BJP cadre by spreading rumours about rift. He also alleged the former home minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan was instrumental in getting lighter charges for CPM leaders P Jayarajan and TV Rajesh in the Shukoor murder case.