Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala BJP is apparently facing internal uncertainty over its candidate for the Vattiyoorkavu Assembly constituency, with multiple leaders showing interest and reports of discontent creating unease within the party.

Vattiyoorkavu, along with Nemom, is one of the constituencies where the BJP topped both the last Lok Sabha and local body elections. This has made the seat strategically important as the party prepares for the upcoming Assembly polls.

Early plan favoured Sreelakha

According to sources, the BJP leadership had initially preferred state vice-president R Sreelekha as its candidate from Vattiyoorkavu. She was earlier assured that she would be considered for the seat after she was not given the mayor’s post. The mayor’s position, which she was reportedly promised, eventually went to VV Rajesh following a last-minute intervention by former state presidents.

Surendran’s entry changes calculations

The situation changed during recent internal discussions after former state president K Surendran reportedly expressed his interest in contesting from Vattiyoorkavu. He was earlier being considered for Palakkad, but leaders close to him say he is unwilling to contest unless offered Vattiyoorkavu. If the seat is not allotted, he may even stay away from the electoral race this time.

A senior leader who has contested several elections and helped improve the BJP’s vote share, Surendran is said to be keen on fighting from a constituency with strong winning chances.

Other contenders and options before party

Apart from Surendran, there are reports that Kummanam Rajasekharan has also shown interest in contesting from Vattiyoorkavu. With growing competition, the party is now considering fielding Sreelakha from Nedumangad or another constituency in the district.

Sreelakha rejects discontent narrative

Amid reports of internal dissatisfaction, Sreelekha has publicly dismissed claims that she is unhappy with the party. Through social media, she accused sections of the media of spreading false narratives for attention and stressed that she remains proud to work for the BJP as a committed party worker, ward councillor and public servant.

She also suggested that such reports were being pushed by forces concerned about the BJP’s growth in Kerala and reiterated that she continues to work strictly in line with the party.