Rajeev Chandrasekhar Appointed President of BJP’s Kerala Unit

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, former Union Minister and three-term Rajya Sabha MP, has been appointed as the new president of the BJP’s Kerala unit.

The announcement was made by BJP central observer Prahlad Joshi during the party’s state council meeting on Monday.

Chandrasekhar, who was the sole nominee for the post, formally assumed office at a ceremony attended by senior BJP leaders, including outgoing president K Surendran and state in-charge Prakash Javadekar.

Surendran, while handing over the party flag, highlighted the BJP’s significant growth in Kerala over the past decade and expressed confidence that Chandrasekhar’s leadership would further strengthen the party’s position in the state.

Political Background and Experience

Rajeev Chandrasekhar has been a key figure in the BJP’s national leadership. He previously held important ministerial positions, including Electronics and IT, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Jal Shakti.

Currently serving as the vice-chairman of the NDA’s Kerala unit, Chandrasekhar’s appointment reflects the party’s strategic push to expand its influence in Kerala.

Chandrasekhar contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Thiruvananthapuram as the NDA candidate, where he faced off against Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.

Tharoor defeated him by 16,077 votes. Responding to Chandrasekhar’s appointment, Tharoor posted on X:
“Congratulations and best wishes to the newly elected Kerala State President of the BJP, @RajeevRC_X. Looking forward to crossing swords again!”

Born in Ahmedabad to Keralite parents, Chandrasekhar has strong ties to Kerala, particularly in Thrissur.

His father-in-law, TPG Nambiar, is the founder of the BPL Group. With his corporate background and political experience, the BJP hopes that Chandrasekhar will strengthen the party’s foothold in Kerala.

Mission to Strengthen BJP in Kerala

After assuming office, Chandrasekhar pledged to lead the BJP to electoral success in Kerala, where politics has long been dominated by the CPI(M)-led LDF and the Congress-led UDF.

Addressing party workers, Chandrasekhar declared:
“I have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the BJP-led alliance to victory in Kerala, and I will not rest until this mission is accomplished.”

Expressing gratitude to senior party leaders, Chandrasekhar stated:
“For entrusting me with this responsibility, I wholeheartedly thank my high command—Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president J P Nadda, and others.”

He also paid tribute to former state presidents and party workers who have contributed to the BJP’s growth in Kerala.

“I also extend my gratitude to all former state presidents and those who have sacrificed their lives for the party. Their dedication will serve as a guiding force in my journey ahead,” he added.

Focus on Development and Economic Issues

Chandrasekhar underscored the need for economic and social reforms in Kerala. He criticized the state’s dependence on loans and questioned the lack of new opportunities for young people.

“Kerala’s development has stagnated. Challenges remain, but the BJP’s mission is to transform the state. Without opportunities, our youth will not stay. We need a Kerala that attracts investment and creates employment,” he said.

He also raised concerns about the state’s heavy reliance on debt and the exodus of students seeking education abroad. Chandrasekhar stressed that the BJP’s focus would be on creating jobs, encouraging investment, and building a stronger economic foundation.

Official Announcement and Ceremony

The official announcement of Chandrasekhar’s appointment was made by Pralhad Joshi during the BJP’s state council meeting. Chandrasekhar had submitted two sets of nomination papers at the BJP headquarters on Sunday.

The ceremony was attended by senior BJP leaders, including outgoing president K Surendran and state in-charge Prakash Javadekar. Surendran formally handed over the party flag to Chandrasekhar on stage.

Surendran praised Chandrasekhar’s appointment, saying that his experience and leadership would accelerate the BJP’s growth in Kerala.

He also dismissed concerns about Chandrasekhar not being a conventional politician, asserting that his diverse background would be an asset to the party.

Vision for BJP’s Future in Kerala

Chandrasekhar urged party workers to take the BJP’s development message to every household in Kerala. He emphasized the need for strong grassroots support to secure political success.

“The BJP has always been a party of workers, and it will remain so in the future,” he stated.

He concluded his speech by quoting social reformer Sree Narayana Guru:
“Progress through education, strength through organisation, and enrichment through effort.”

Chandrasekhar’s appointment is seen as a strategic move by the BJP to challenge the political dominance of the Left and Congress in Kerala. His leadership aims to build on the party’s growing support base and create a viable alternative for voters in the state.

Political and Professional Background

At 60, Rajeev Chandrasekhar brings over two decades of political experience to the role. He has served as a Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Jal Shakti.

He has also represented Karnataka in the Rajya Sabha for three terms and acted as the BJP’s national spokesperson.

Chandrasekhar’s recent electoral battle with Shashi Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram highlighted his rising political influence. Despite the loss, his appointment as state president signals the BJP’s confidence in his leadership.

His deep-rooted ties to Kerala, combined with his corporate and political experience, position him as a significant figure in the state’s political landscape.

Outlook for the BJP in Kerala

Chandrasekhar’s leadership comes at a critical time for the BJP in Kerala. The party’s growing vote share in recent elections reflects a shifting political climate.

His focus on economic reforms, employment, and investment is expected to resonate with Kerala’s younger voters and professionals.

The BJP’s central leadership views Chandrasekhar’s appointment as a turning point in the party’s strategy for Kerala.

His success in strengthening the party’s base and expanding its influence will be closely watched as the state prepares for upcoming elections.