THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A recent report claimed that BJP state president K Surendran and the state leadership were sharply criticized at the party core committee meeting. Criticism has been leveled at issues such as election defeats and money laundering. Leaders who took part in the core committee meeting stated that the party needs a complete overhaul.

It is learnt that the various matters including the candidate selection for the assembly election was criticised during the core committee meeting. It was alleged the leadership had kept a section of leaders in the dark without holding collective discussions in the party. Some of the decisions taken by the leadership were immature. There was no need for Surendran to contest from two constituencies. Issues including the Kodakara hawala case have tarnished the party's image. Matters, including election funds, were handled under the leadership of the state president, the core committee noted.