As discussions arose about the next head of the Kerala BJP, one name frequently came up, and that is Sobha Surendran, the state vice president of the party. Despite her involvement in several controversies, Sobha's political track record remains undeniably impressive, making her a prominent figure in the party's leadership conversations.
Published Nov 09, 2024 | 6:17 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 09, 2024 | 6:17 PM
Who will lead the Kerala BJP next? (Supplied)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is preparing for a substantial leadership overhaul at both national and state levels as organizational elections begin next month.
This sweeping change is being spearheaded by the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), which aims to strengthen the BJP’s organizational framework after its successful three consecutive terms in power.
Observing that the party’s structure has weakened in various regions, the RSS is planning to introduce leaders who align closely with its ideological principles and can drive the party forward without internal divisions.
One of the states, the BJP is primarily focusing on is Kerala, where the BJP has yet to secure representation in the state assembly, the party faces distinct challenges compared to other regions.
Since early 2020, the party has attempted to bolster its influence in the state but has encountered persistent factionalism.
Under K Surendran’s leadership, the party initially split into two major groups, but divisions have since grown, leading to at least four competing factions. The situation deteriorated further when K Subhash, the general secretary responsible for organizational matters, was recalled, leaving the structure weakened.
Additionally, many leaders have voiced concerns that Surendran loyalists have taken over, sidelining senior figures, who were excluded from roles, even in key moments such as the Palakkad by-election. As part of the upcoming reshuffle, Surendran and other senior leaders are expected to be reassigned to national roles.
In the coming months, the BJP will appoint new leadership in Kerala, aiming to bring in a more cohesive and ideologically aligned team.
As discussions arose about the next head of the Kerala BJP, one name frequently came up, and that is Sobha Surendran, the state vice president of the party.
Despite her involvement in several controversies, Sobha’s political track record remains undeniably impressive, making her a prominent figure in the party’s leadership conversations.
Sobha Surendran stands as a pioneering force in Kerala’s BJP leadership, being the first woman from the state to secure a place on the BJP national executive committee.
Known for her formidable electoral performances and dynamic oratory skills, Sobha has proven herself as a powerful contender against both the LDF and UDF political fronts.
Her dedication to party principles, coupled with her willingness to voice her views openly—even when challenging the leadership—has earned her admiration and controversies.
Rising through the ranks from her early days in the ABVP, Sobha has held numerous leadership roles, including district and state vice president positions, secretary, and member of the BJP’s all India executive committee.
Her journey reflects a commitment to excellence and an unwavering resolve, marking her as a significant figure within Kerala’s political landscape.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Sobha Surendran contested from the Alappuzha constituency, delivering a surprising performance that shocked both the LDF and UDF with her unexpected vote share.
In the latest election, the NDA experienced a notable rise in Alappuzha, marking it as the constituency with the most significant increase in vote share across Kerala. The alliance’s vote share jumped from 17.22 percent to 28.3 percent, primarily affecting the LDF, which saw its share drop by 8.7 percent. While the UDF retained the seat, their vote share had also declined by 1.74 percent.
The political landscape in Alappuzha had already shown signs of shifting during the 2019 Lok Sabha election, where BJP support surged from a mere 4.31 percent in 2014 to 17.22 percent in 2019, largely driven by regional polarization.
Sobha Surendran played a pivotal role in the NDA’s strengthened position, securing close to three lakh votes and ranking second in two Assembly constituencies, effectively pushing the LDF to third place. Her targeted efforts in coastal areas like Haripad, Kayamkulam, Karunagappally, and Ambalappuzha paid off, as voters traditionally aligned with the LDF and UDF backed her.
Sobha’s track record of boosting BJP’s performance in constituencies like Palakkad in 2014 and Attingal in 2019 also contributed to her reputation, with her consistent on-the-ground work inspiring optimism within the NDA.
She has expressed her intent to continue focusing on Alappuzha, aiming to further solidify her support base in the region.
(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula)
