Thiruvananthapuram: BJP state president V. Muraleedharan has sought an extension of his term until the Assembly elections are over next year. The change of guard is due in December and with the gains in the local bodies elections, Mr Muraleedharan has sought more time.
Former president and national executive member P.K. Krishnadas and firebrand orator Sobha Surendran are the frontrunners. Vice-president M.T. Ramesh and general secretary A.N. Radhakrishnan are also in the race.
Unlike the last time, RSS state leadership will have a final say on who should be the new president. At the state office bearers’ meeting at Aluva on Friday, general secretary K. Surendran reportedly said it was ideal that it is held after the Assembly elections.
BJP sources told DC that the central leadership is yet to take a decision on whether it should be held as per the current schedule. Last time when Mr Muraleedharan bid for a second term, the RSS had briefed BJP organising secretary K.R. Umakanthan to inform the national BJP and RSS leadership on the-ir displeasure that was not communicated in time.
K.C. Kannan, the then Sah Sarkaryavah (joint general secretary) of RSS, who was later ousted from the organisation, also favoured Mr Muraleedharan.
But now RSS state secretary and Prantha Karyavahak P. Gopalankutty Master told DC that he was not aware of Mr Muraleedharan requesting the central leadership for postponement.
“Elections will be held on schedule. Now we have not recommended any names. More than the president, what the state RSS leadership is looking forward to seeing there should be an efficient team to lead,” said Gopalankutty Master.
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