Thiruvananthapuram: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up to announce its new Kerala state president on Monday, sparking intense speculation among party members and supporters. With no official confirmation from the central leadership, multiple names have been floated as potential contenders for the top position. The final decision will be based on a confidential list of probables, with only one leader likely to be allowed to file nomination papers to avoid internal competition.
A crucial core committee meeting is set to take place on Sunday morning in Thiruvananthapuram, but state leaders remain in the dark about the final choice, as the decision rests entirely with the party’s high command. The key question remains whether current state president K. Surendran will continue his tenure or if a new face will take charge.
Surendran, who has been at the helm since February 2020, has gained strong backing from his supporters, who credit him for increasing the party’s vote share in the Lok Sabha elections and securing the Thrissur seat through Suresh Gopi. They argue that with local body and assembly elections approaching, the central leadership may prefer continuity. Additionally, Surendran is believed to have the support of the RSS.
However, another powerful faction within the party, led by P.K. Krishnadas, is pushing for M.T. Ramesh, a popular leader and the current general secretary. His supporters believe he has a strong chance of being appointed as the new state chief. If the BJP opts for a woman leader, current vice president Shobha Surendran could emerge as a surprise candidate.
Other names being discussed include former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who contested the Thiruvananthapuram seat in the last Lok Sabha elections, and Union Minister V. Muraleedharan, a former state BJP president. With multiple contenders in the fray, all eyes are now on the BJP’s central leadership, which will make the final announcement on Monday.
