THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former DGP Jacob Thomas to contest as BJP’s candidate from Irijalakuda. Thomas has made it clear that he will contest as NDA candidate from Irinjalakuda. Even though he was ready to seek people’s mandate as Twenty20’s candidate from Chalakudy, he couldn’t stand for the polls as the LDF government didn’t approve Jacob’s request to take VRS.

Sources say Jabob Thomas has conducted preliminary talks with BJP leaders on his candidature in the assembly polls. Thomas also said that last year he had gone to Irinjalakuda and has conducted the necessary preparations for it. “LDF and UDF are not comfortable with my anti-corruption stand, therefore, my only choice is NDA and their anti-corruption stand will be continued in Kerala,” he added.

“Minority votes will be conducive to the party this time. Nationalism is good and we should stick to it. BJP is getting support from Christian and Muslim community in other states. Therefore the party can also garner support from minorities here,” the retired civil servant said.

In 2016, when CPM won the Irijalakuda seat with 59,000 votes, BJP secured 30,420 votes. This time BJP’s hopes are high in the constituency.