Published Mar 16, 2026 | 5:43 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 16, 2026 | 5:43 PM
Rajeev Chandrasekhar will seek the mandate from Nemom in Thiruvananthapuram.
Synopsis: BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar will contest from Nemom, a constituency considered crucial for the party’s prospects in Thiruvananthapuram. Veteran leader O Rajagopal had won Nemom in 2016, marking the BJP’s only entry so far into the Assembly.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its first list of 47 candidates for the 9 April Kerala Legislative Assembly elections, fielding a mix of senior leaders, high-profile entrants and familiar faces across key constituencies.
A meeting attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and other members of the Central Election Committee finalised the list, which included eight women candidates.
Among the prominent candidates, senior BJP leader Sobha Surendran will contest from Palakkad, while Padmaja Venugopal has been fielded from Thrissur, signalling the party’s attempt to strengthen its presence in central Kerala.
In the hill constituency of Devikulam, the BJP has nominated S Rajendran, former CPI(M) MLA from Devikulam.
BJP’s former state president K Surendran will contest from Manjeswaram, a seat he had unsuccessfully fought in 2021.
Union Minister George Kurian has been fielded from Kanjirappally, while veteran leader PC George will contest from Poonjar and his son Shone George from Pala.
In the southern region, BJP spokesperson Sandeep Vachaspathi will contest from Haripad.
Former DGP and BJP councillor in Thiruvananthapuram corporation R Sreelekha has been nominated from Vattiyoorkavu.
BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar will contest from Nemom, a constituency considered crucial for the party’s prospects in Thiruvananthapuram. Veteran leader O Rajagopal had won Nemom in 2016, marking the BJP’s only entry so far into the Assembly.
Former Union Minister V Muraleedharan will seek the mandate from Kazhakkottam.
In Ottapalam, the BJP has fielded former Army officer and filmmaker Major Ravi.
The first list reflects the BJP’s strategy of combining experienced politicians, new entrants and prominent public figures as it seeks to expand its footprint in the state.
More candidates are expected to be announced in the coming days as the party finalises its electoral lineup.
