In a significant political development, the BJP has won a second seat in Kerala as Rajeev Chandrasekhar emerged victorious in Nemom, strengthening the party’s presence in the state. This win, along with B.B. Gopakumar’s success in Chathanoor, marks a notable advancement for the BJP in Kerala’s historically two-party system. Chandrasekhar’s win in Nemom is seen as a historic moment, reclaiming the constituency for the BJP after a previous loss.
The victory in Nemom is particularly symbolic as it was first captured by the BJP in 2016 under veteran leader O. Rajagopal but was lost to the CPI(M) in 2021. Chandrasekhar’s triumph now signifies a significant turnaround for the party in the region. Addressing the media, Chandrasekhar highlighted that the results defied expectations of the CPI(M) and Congress, who had predicted the BJP’s failure to make an impact. He attributed the victory to the people of Nemom and Chathanoor, emphasizing that the election reflected an anti-CPI(M) sentiment, influenced by issues like the Sabarimala controversy.
The BJP’s wins in Nemom and Chathanoor are expected to boost the morale of the party’s supporters in Kerala, where converting votes into seats has been a challenge. These victories indicate a growing support base in specific constituencies, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas. The focus now shifts to Kazhakootam, where BJP leader V. Muraleedharan is engaged in a close contest, trailing by a slim margin of 299 votes as the final counting phase unfolds. While the BJP’s overall presence in Kerala remains modest, the recent wins in Nemom and Chathanoor signal a shift in its electoral fortunes, providing a stronger foundation for future electoral battles.
