The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday became the first party to begin its campaign for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, with its state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar launching the exercise in the Nemom constituency in Thiruvananthapuram.
Chandrasekhar marked the start of the campaign by personally writing a slogan on a wall in the constituency. “Namukku venam Vikasitha Nemom” (We want a developed Nemom), he wrote. However, the name of the candidate was not mentioned alongside the slogan.
Describing the move as the beginning of change in Nemom, Chandrasekhar said he is keen to contest from the constituency. “Let the party’s national leadership decide on that. I hope the party leadership will give me the nod to contest from Nemom,” he said.
Meanwhile, the state BJP has shortlisted its first list of candidates for around 35 constituencies, featuring senior leaders including Rajeev Chandrasekhar, V. Muraleedharan, K. Surendran, Sobha Surendran and P.K. Krishnadas.
According to party sources, Chandrasekhar is likely to contest from Nemom, while former Union minister V. Muraleedharan has been shortlisted for Kazhakkoottam. P.K. Krishnadas is under consideration for Kattakkada, and K. Surendran for Manjeshwar.
Firebrand leader Sobha Surendran is being considered for the Palakkad and Kayamkulam seats.
State general secretary Anoop Antony is likely to be fielded from Thiruvalla, while state secretary Shone George may contest from the Pala constituency.
The name of former DGP R. Sreelekha has also resurfaced in discussions for the Vattiyoorkavu seat in Thiruvananthapuram. Party sources said her name is being strongly considered for the constituency, which is among the BJP’s ‘A’ category seats. Actor-turned-politician G. Krishnakumar is also a strong contender from the seat.