Thrissur: It is almost certain that BJP state general secretary M T Ramesh will contest from the Thrissur assembly constituency. The party leadership is keen that Ramesh contest from the seat, which is considered favourable in the aftermath of the Lok Sabha election victory. Sources indicate that Ramesh has also expressed personal interest in running.

Analysis suggests that beyond the popularity BJP gained in Thrissur due to actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi, a win by a senior party leader like Ramesh would consolidate the party’s success in the constituency. As a key figure behind the Lok Sabha victory, Ramesh enjoys strong relations with the Thrissur party machinery and is generally well-accepted within the party. Indications are that decisions, including shifting residence to Thrissur, have already been made.

In the Lok Sabha election, BJP had a majority of 14,117 votes in the Thrissur assembly segment. Ramesh has strong ties with leaders across all communities and commands significant support from Sangh Parivar organisations.

It is expected that the LDF and UDF will field candidates from the constituency. Originally from Kozhikode, Ramesh faces some challenges, including BJP’s setbacks in the last local body election and the absence of 34,000 voters from the SIR list who were present in the Lok Sabha voter list. There were also allegations that BJP had extensively added votes from outside the constituency during the Lok Sabha elections.