Thiruvananthapuram: Former state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), K Surendran, has firmly dismissed recent media speculation suggesting he expressed interest in contesting the upcoming assembly election from the Vattiyoorkavu constituency. This comes in the backdrop of the party's strong performance in the area during the recent local body polls.
"I Did Not Tell Anybody": Surendran's Clear Denial
Addressing the rumours directly, Surendran expressed frustration with what he described as a section of the media actively generating stories about his electoral interests. He categorically stated that he never communicated a desire to contest from Vattiyoorkavu, or any other specific seat, to anyone. "First it was Thrissur, then Palakkad and now Vattiyoorkavu," he said, highlighting a pattern of such reports.
Reflecting on his past electoral contests, Surendran noted that he has faced narrow defeats on multiple occasions. He emphasized that his candidacy has always been determined by the party's decisions. "Wherever I contested, it was based on the decision taken by the party. I request such groups not to drag me into unnecessary controversies. Let there be no confusion over such matters," he asserted.
Rumours of Seat Negotiations and Sreelekha's Stance
The controversy emerged amidst swirling rumours regarding BJP's candidate selection for Vattiyoorkavu. Speculation was rife that the party's state chief, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, had planned to offer the seat to former Director General of Police (DGP) R Sreelekha. Sreelekha had recently gained political traction after winning from the Sasthamangalam ward in the local body elections.
However, the narrative shifted as new rumours suggested this plan was derailed after Surendran himself showed interest in Vattiyoorkavu. The situation was further muddled when Sreelekha publicly told the media that she was not prepared to contest from the Vattiyoorkavu assembly seat, adding another layer of uncertainty to the BJP's candidate selection process.
Clarity Sought Amidst Electoral Preparations
Surendran's strong rebuttal aims to put an end to the conjecture and provide clarity as the BJP prepares its strategy for the Kerala assembly elections. By distancing himself from personal seat claims, he reinforces the party's internal discipline where candidacies are centrally decided. This episode underscores the intense media scrutiny and internal speculation that often surrounds ticket distribution in major parties ahead of crucial elections.
The party's clear lead in Vattiyoorkavu during the local body elections has made it a potentially winnable seat, raising the stakes for candidate selection. Surendran's statement seeks to quell any internal friction or public confusion, allowing the party leadership to make a decision without the pressure of perceived internal lobbying.
