BJP meet today to finalize Kerala list

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP parliamentary party meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on Saturday is likely to finalize the candidates for

Lok Sabha

elections in Kerala.


Even if the list for Kerala does not figure in the first set of candidates’ list to be announced on Saturday, which would predominantly include list for states that go for polls during the first phase of elections, the Kerala list would be officially out in another two days, BPJ spokesperson M S Kumar said.

A set of senior leaders from the party state unit, including BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai and Kummanam Rajasekharan have been called to New Delhi by the central leadership for the final selection of candidates. Pillai has also told media that the party’s candidates’ list is expected by Monday.

The most coveted seats for BJP leaders remain Thiruvananthapuram and Pathanamthitta. Since the candidature of Rajasekharan is certain for Thiruvananthapuram seat, the focus will be solely on

Pathanamthitta

candidate. Since Pillai and general secretaries K Surendran and M T Ramesh are staking claim for the Pathanamthitta seat, the final decision would largely depend on the preference of the central leadership. RSS’ acceptability would also play a major role in the selection of candidate for Pathanamthitta where Sabarimala temple is located.

It is not yet sure whether BDJS leader Thushar Vellappally would defy his father Vellappally Natesan to toe the lines of BJP national president Ami Shah. If he decides to fight the polls, he will also be defying his earlier stand that SNDP Yogam office-bearers should quit their post before contesting elections.

Thushar’s candidature is also likely to split the votes of Yogam followers. Thushar may not be able to cite trifle excuses to excuse himself from the political promises BDJS had given to BJP. Since the Yogam general secretary has openly declared his support to CPM-led LDF, BJP leaders at the Centre would be wary of Thushar’s candidature, sources in the party pointed out.