Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the BJP state president, has initiated the party’s electoral campaign in Thiruvananthapuram, reaffirming his interest in contesting the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections from the Nemom constituency. Chandrasekhar inaugurated the BJP’s wall-writing campaign at Indira Gandhi Junction in Thali under Booth No. 100 in the Kalady ward on Sunday, marking the beginning of the party’s election activities in Nemom.

BJP’s Strategic Move in Thiruvananthapuram

The campaign launch comes as the BJP seeks to make inroads in Thiruvananthapuram, where the party has historically struggled to gain a strong foothold. Chandrasekhar, who previously contested the parliamentary election in the region, expressed confidence that the party’s growing influence in local body polls would translate into stronger prospects in the Assembly elections.

When asked if he would be the BJP candidate from Nemom, Chandrasekhar said it was his wish to contest and that the party’s national leadership would take the final decision. He revealed that he had conveyed his intention to contest from Nemom to the national leadership two months ago.

“I will not forget the love I received from the people when I contested the Parliament election here. I have informed the national leadership of my desire to contest the Assembly election from Nemom,” Chandrasekhar said during the campaign launch.

Criticism of Ruling Parties

Chandrasekhar criticized both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF), which have alternated in power in Kerala. He alleged that they had failed to address public concerns and pointed to the sitting MLA, who serves as a minister representing Nemom, as a “complete failure” who had not resolved the constituency’s issues.

“The people of Nemom are also seeking a significant political shift,” Chandrasekhar stated, expressing confidence that the party leadership would grant him permission to contest the Assembly election from the seat.

The BJP has made notable gains in Nemom in recent elections. In the 2024 Lok Sabha election and the 2025 local body polls, the party secured a sizeable vote share, strengthening its prospects in the constituency.

Historical Context and Political Landscape

Nemom has been a key battleground in Thiruvananthapuram, with the constituency seeing a shift in power over the years. Senior BJP leader O Rajagopal won the seat in the 2016 Assembly election, while the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) leader and Education Minister V Sivankutty reclaimed it in 2021.

The BJP’s growing presence in the region has been fueled by its performance in local body elections, where it has managed to secure a significant number of wards. This success has bolstered the party’s confidence in contesting the Assembly elections in the area.

Analysts suggest that the BJP’s campaign in Nemom could be a test of its ability to translate local successes into broader political influence in Kerala. With the Assembly elections approaching, the party’s strategy in Thiruvananthapuram will be closely watched by political observers and voters alike.

Chandrasekhar’s potential candidacy in Nemom could signal a more aggressive electoral strategy by the BJP in the southern state, where it has traditionally been a minor player. The party’s national leadership will make a final decision on his candidacy in the coming weeks, with a potential announcement expected soon.