BJP Faces Crisis as Factional Fight Erupts Over Candidate Selection

Thiruvananthapuram: As the state assembly elections draw closer, discussions on candidate selection have intensified across all three political fronts. However, the BJP is already facing a crisis, marked by internal disagreements and conflicting voices at an early stage.

Within the party, factions led by K Surendran and Rajiv Chandrasekhar are locked in a direct confrontation over candidate selection. K Surendran has reportedly taken a firm stand that he will not contest the election if he is not allotted the Vattiyoorkavu constituency. In contrast, Rajiv Chandrasekhar is pushing to field R Sreelakha from the same constituency.

Despite this tussle, the central leadership of the BJP is said to be leaning in favour of K Surendran, insisting that he should be given due consideration in the candidate selection process.

Meanwhile, in the wake of growing factionalism, both groups have decided to place the issue before Amit Shah. A leadership meeting attended by Amit Shah is scheduled for the 11th. Reports indicate that Shah is deeply dissatisfied with the party’s failure to make significant gains in the recent local body elections, and this concern is also expected to figure prominently in the discussions.