V Muraleedharan files nomination from Kazhakkuttom constituency ahead of Kerala polls, Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma joins
Addressing reporters, Muraleedharan said the presence of the senior leadership reflects the importance given to Kerala by the party’s central command.
“This shows the importance given by the Prime Minister and the central leadership of the BJP to the Kerala elections and the people of Kerala. The development of Kerala is of great importance, the welfare of Kerala is of prime importance to PM Modi. Therefore, the central leadership felt that the BJP leadership of the entire country should come and support the BJP and the people of Kerala.” he said.
Muraleedharan is among the important names fielded by the BJP, which aims to expand its footprint in the state. The party announced 86 candidates in two lists for the 140-member Assembly; these include state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar from Nemom and Kummanam Rajasekharan from Aranmula.
The BJP is positioning itself as a major rival in Kerala, where traditionally the main contest has been between the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). Both alliances aim to maintain or regain power in the state.
Earlier on Friday, Union Minister Suresh Gopi emphasized the need for a stronger National Democratic Alliance (NDA) presence in the Assembly, citing what he described as administrative failures in the last decade. He urged NDA candidates to win across constituencies to ensure effective representation.
Voting for the Kerala Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 9 and counting will take place on May 4. The term of office of the current parliament is scheduled to end on May 23.
