Attempts by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State leadership to field party national executive member Shobha Surendran in the Palakkad Assembly constituency, as reportedly desired by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has drawn resentment from the party local leadership.
The district leadership has informed BJP State president Kummanam Rajasekharan that the party had better prospects in Palakkad, but its chances would be spoilt if a candidate was brought in from outside. Ms. Surendran belongs to Thrissur.
According to BJP sources, about 20 members of the Palakkad mandalam committee may quit if the candidature of Ms. Surendran was announced.
Inauguration
The differences came to the fore on Friday when the district committee foiled attempts by Ms. Surendran to inaugurate an election campaign committee office in Palakkad. The inaugural ceremony was conducted much ahead of the stipulated time conveyed to Ms. Surendran. State secretary C. Krishnakumar opened the office in the presence of party district president E Krishnadas and other leaders. Ms. Surendran said she was in Palakkad to meet party leaders and the launch of the office was not included in her schedule.
The district committee has recommended C. Krishnakumar’s name for the seat.
