Rajeev Chandrasekhar Set to Be Kerala BJP Chief Party Backs Ex-Minister
Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar is likely to become the next Kerala BJP chief, with the party’s central leadership endorsing his nomination during a core committee meeting in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, ahead of an official announcement on Monday.
On March 23, 2025, Rajeev Chandrasekhar filed his nomination for the Kerala BJP president post at the party’s state headquarters, Mararji Bhavan. The entrepreneur-turned-politician is expected to face no opposition, signaling a smooth transition to leadership.
The formal declaration of Chandrasekhar’s appointment is slated for Monday at the BJP’s state conclave at Uday Palace Convention Centre in Kowdiar. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, overseeing the party’s organisational elections in Kerala, will announce the new chief.
Chandrasekhar’s nomination follows his impressive performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he narrowly lost to Congress’ Shashi Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram by 16,000 votes. Despite a short two-month campaign, he earned the trust of party leaders.
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As a Nair, Chandrasekhar is seen as a key figure to consolidate upper-caste Hindu votes ahead of local body and 2026 assembly elections. His ties with Ezhava leader Vellappally Natesan may also bolster the BJP’s alliance with the Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS).
With 19% of Kerala’s population being Christian, the BJP aims to leverage Chandrasekhar’s appeal to woo a segment disillusioned with the Congress-led UDF and CPI(M)-led LDF. The party sees an opportunity amid growing Christian-Muslim community divides.
A senior BJP leader stated, “Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s leadership will strengthen our presence in Kerala.” His unopposed nomination reflects confidence within the party’s top brass in his ability to expand its electoral base in the state.
The official announcement on March 24 will mark Chandrasekhar’s takeover from incumbent K Surendran. The BJP hopes his leadership will boost its performance in upcoming elections, with focus now shifting to his strategy for Kerala’s diverse voter landscape.
