BJP Finalizes Probable Candidates for Kerala Assembly Elections
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reportedly prepared a comprehensive list of probable candidates for at least 35 seats in the upcoming Kerala assembly elections. This strategic move comes as the party aims to strengthen its presence in the southern state, where it has been working to expand its electoral footprint.
Key Leaders Set to Contest from Strategic Constituencies
According to party sources, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar is confirmed to contest from the Nemom assembly segment. Chandrasekhar had already announced this decision on December 2, 2025, during a public event in Thrissur, signaling the party's focused approach in key constituencies.
Former Union minister V Muraleedharan is slated to contest from the Kazhakkoottam seat, bringing his extensive political experience to the fray. Meanwhile, former party state president K Surendran is likely to try his luck once again from Manjeshwar, where he suffered a narrow defeat by just 89 votes in the 2016 assembly elections. Sources indicate that Surendran's candidacy from Manjeshwar was reportedly pushed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, highlighting the central leadership's involvement in candidate selection.
Notable Candidates and Potential Surprises
In a significant development, former Director General of Police (DGP) R Sreelekha has emerged as the party's first choice for the Vattiyoorkavu seat. Although Sreelekha recently won the election to the Thiruvananthapuram corporation and had clarified that she has no plans to contest in assembly polls, the party leadership believes she might reconsider her stand. Her potential candidacy could bring a unique profile to the BJP's campaign in Kerala.
The election committee finalized the list of probable candidates at a meeting held in the state capital on Tuesday. While there were three candidates considered for most seats, the candidates for certain high-profile constituencies including Nemom, Kazhakkoottam, and Manjeshwar are almost finalized, indicating the party's clear strategic priorities.
Additional Candidates Across Various Constituencies
Sobha Surendran is being considered for multiple seats in the upcoming election, with potential contests from either Kayamkulam or Palakkad. M T Ramesh may contest from Kozhikode this time, while C Krishnakumar is likely to fight from the Malampuzha seat. BJP district president Karamana Jayan may enter the fray from the Thiruvananthapuram seat, adding local organizational strength to the party's campaign.
Former state president P K Krishnadas will continue to contest from the Kattakkada seat, maintaining continuity in the party's representation. Meanwhile, Shone George may be pitted as the BJP candidate in Pala, while Anoop Antony could be fielded in Thiruvalla. Sandeep Vachaspati is being considered as the party candidate in the Chengannur seat, with M L Aswani and P Sudheer potentially contesting from Kasargod and Attingal seats respectively.
Strategic Approach and Future Announcements
The BJP is expected to announce the final list of candidates in two phases after further deliberations. This phased approach allows the party to carefully assess ground realities and make necessary adjustments. The party has also instructed all probable candidates to intensify their work in their respective assembly segments, focusing on strengthening grassroots connections and addressing local issues.
This comprehensive candidate preparation reflects the BJP's determined effort to make significant inroads in Kerala politics. With a mix of experienced leaders, fresh faces, and strategic constituency allocations, the party appears to be building a competitive electoral machinery for the upcoming assembly elections.
