Will Shobana and Shweta Menon contest Kerala assembly polls? BJP weighs celebrity candidates

Thiruvananthapuram: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is considering fielding celebrity candidates in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, with actors Shobana and Shweta Menon reportedly being discussed as potential nominees.

According to reports, the party is exploring the possibility of fielding celebrities in the Thiruvananthapuram Central and Thrikkakara constituencies. Key discussions regarding the selection of BJP candidates from Kerala are currently underway in New Delhi.

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The Thiruvananthapuram Central constituency has previously seen celebrity candidates representing the BJP. Former Indian cricketer S. Sreesanth and actor Krishna Kumar had earlier contested from the seat on the party’s ticket. The constituency is viewed by the party as one where it can mobilise a significant number of votes.

When former Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar contested the Lok Sabha election from Thiruvananthapuram, the BJP secured the second position in the Thiruvananthapuram Central Assembly segment. Party leaders believe that a celebrity candidate could intensify the contest in the constituency.

Shweta Menon is currently in Mumbai, and she declined to comment when asked about the possibility of her candidature. She is also the president of the actors’ association AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists).

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Sources also indicate that BJP leaders have held discussions with Shobana regarding a possible candidature. However, there is no clarity yet on whether she will enter the electoral fray.

Shobana had earlier participated in the BJP’s campaign when Rajeev Chandrasekhar contested the Lok Sabha election from Thiruvananthapuram. Party sources say that Shweta Menon is also a member of the BJP.