The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to undergo a leadership transformation in Kerala with the appointment of Rajeev Chandrasekhar as the new state president. The official announcement of his appointment is expected tomorrow. This move is seen as a significant shift in strategy, as Rajeev Chandrasekhar does not have a background in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) or the Sangh Parivar. The national leadership is aiming for a fresh approach, hoping that his leadership will revitalize the party, which has been struggling due to internal conflicts despite favorable political conditions.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a former Union Minister, had contested in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency in the last elections, where he put up a tough fight against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. Though he narrowly lost, his performance was notable, as he was able to attract votes beyond traditional party lines. The BJP projected him as a pro-development leader, appealing to a broader section of the electorate.
A three-time Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, this was Rajeev’s first electoral battle in Kerala. His corporate background, particularly his role in launching India’s first pagers and mobile phones through BPL in the early 1990s, has contributed to his image as a forward-thinking leader. Many within the party believe that his presidency will mark a new chapter for the BJP in Kerala.
Following the Lok Sabha elections, Rajeev focused his political activities in Thiruvananthapuram, even purchasing a residence there, which fueled speculations about his future role in state politics. The BJP’s central leadership has been keen on avoiding internal rivalries while selecting the new state president. K Surendran, the current state president, assumed office in February 2020 and was granted an extension of his tenure. However, with Rajeev Chandrasekhar at the helm, the BJP in Kerala is expected to undergo a strategic transformation, aiming for greater political influence in the state.
