BJP drags feet on its final list

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:  Though the BJP was way ahead in declaring the first set of 22 prominent candidates and later the second set, they are lagging behind others in releasing the final list.

Party sources told DC that the delay is due to a dispute with Kerala Conress leader P. C. Thomas, who demands more seats from BDJS quota. Mr Thomas has backed out from contesting in Pala against KC (M) chief K. M. Mani. Thiruvananthapuram candidate cricketer S. Sreesanth is back from his sabbatical with yet another temple visit at Sreekanteswaram.

So far BJP has announced 73 candidates after giving 37 to BDJS and nine to smaller allies. Candidates like O. Rajagopal (Nemom), Kummanam Rajasekharan (Vattiyoorkavu), Sobha Surendran (Palakkad), P. K. Krishnadas (Kattakada), P. S. Sreedharan Pillai (Chengannur), V. Muraleedharan (Kazhakoottam) and M. T. Ramesh (Aranmula) have already hit the campaign trail. Mr. Pillai, who kicked off his campaign almost a month ago, is upbeat about a win.

“All the 154 booth committees here are battle ready. A minority community also cast their votes on ‘lotus' symbol,” he told DC. The BJP had won 41 seats in the civic polls here last year. State secretary V. V. Rajesh initially tipped for Haripad against home minister Ramesh Chennithala, has started his campaigning in Nedumangad.

“Our star campaigner Suresh Gopi had inaugurated my campaign committee office in Nedumangad the other day. So I have already begun my work in Nedumangad and is hopeful of winning the seat,” he told DC.

Film director Rajasenan, who was initially considered in Nedumangad seat, is now being considered in Aruvikkara seat. A senior BJP leader told DC that the third list which is expected to be announced in a day or two would see both Mr Rajesh and Mr Rajasenan
included.