Rajeev Chandrasekhar Takes Charge as BJP’s Kerala Unit Chief
Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has officially assumed charge as the new president of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Kerala unit. The announcement was made during the party’s state council meeting in Thiruvananthapuram, where his name was the sole nomination for the position. His appointment marks a significant shift in the BJP’s political strategy in the state as it seeks to expand its influence.
A Vision for ‘Viksit Kerala’
In his address to party members, Chandrasekhar outlined his vision for a “Viksit Kerala” (Developed Kerala). He criticized the current state government for relying on debt and lacking forward-looking policies. He emphasized the need to bring investment, generate employment opportunities, and stop the youth from migrating out of the state in search of better prospects. His aim, he said, is to make the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) a winning force in Kerala.
A Blend of Political and Entrepreneurial Experience
At 60, Chandrasekhar brings a unique mix of political experience and private sector leadership. A three-time Rajya Sabha MP representing Karnataka, he previously served as Union Minister of State for Electronics & IT, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Jal Shakti. Before entering politics, he had a successful career as a tech entrepreneur and media businessman, founding companies in India’s technology and telecom sectors.
Deep Roots in Kerala
Though born in Gujarat, Chandrasekhar has strong family ties to Kerala, particularly in Thrissur. His father-in-law was the founder of the well-known electronics company BPL. His recent political efforts have also deepened his engagement with the state—most notably, he contested the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Thiruvananthapuram, where he narrowly lost to Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.
Challenges Ahead in a Polarized Political Landscape
Chandrasekhar steps into leadership at a time when Kerala’s politics remain firmly dominated by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF). His challenge will be to break this bipolar dominance and position the BJP as a viable third front. Mobilizing grassroots support, uniting party factions, and effectively communicating development-centric policies will be crucial for the BJP’s ambitions in Kerala.
Strategic Focus and Future Direction
By placing a nationally recognized and development-focused leader at the helm in Kerala, the BJP signals its intent to reshape its image in the state. With his combination of policy experience, national stature, and regional ties, Chandrasekhar’s leadership is expected to bring renewed energy to the party’s state-level strategy. His goal is not just to grow the party’s footprint, but to lead the NDA into government in Kerala—a goal that no BJP leader in the state has yet achieved.
