Thiruvananthapuram: Reports suggest that former BJP state president K Surendran is aiming to contest the Vattiyoorkavu seat in the upcoming assembly elections. Sources close to him say he may not enter the race if the seat is not allocated to him. The move comes even as the leadership is reportedly considering fielding him from Palakkad.

If Surendran also contests from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital district could see the most intense electoral battle in the state. BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has already announced he will contest from Nemom. In 2016, Nemom, where BJP first opened an account, was reclaimed by the CPM through V Sivankutty. There are also indications that V Muraleedharan may contest from Kazhakuttam. Amid this, Surendran has pushed for Vattiyoorkavu as a constituency where he believes he has strong winning prospects.

Meanwhile, some party leaders had suggested that R Sreelekha could contest from Vattiyoorkavu, given that V V Rajesh has been allotted the mayoral post. However, Sreelekha has reportedly declined, stating she does not wish to contest and intends to focus only on her municipal councilor responsibilities for the next five years.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit the state on January 11. Further discussions regarding candidates are expected after his visit.