Thiruvananthapuram: Mr Kummanam Rajasekharan’s much-touted re-entry into the state’s politics may not cheer all the BJP leaders, especially state president P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, who sees another power centre emerging challenging his authority. Mr Pillai’s plan to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Thiruvananthapuram has also been shattered and his next chance is Pathanamthitta where he hopes to cash in on the Sabarimala issue.
Mr Kummanam, who will reach here on Tuesday, will be given a rousing reception by the party workers. He reached New Delhi late on Saturday night after resigning as Mizoram Governor.
It may be recalled that Mr Kummanam was packed off to Mizoram in the midst of the byelection campaign in Chengannur in May last, which was a blow to BJP candidate Sreedharan Pillai.
The BJP’s core committee will be held here on Monday to finalise the candidates. State BJP general secretary K. Surendran had eyed Thiruvananthapuram initially, but with Mr Kummanam’s entry, he thought of going to Thrissur. However, BDJS president Tushar Vellapally is likely to walk away with it.
“Surendran next eyed Pathanamthitta, where Pillai has staked his claim. Only a week ago, Pillai had tagged along with Surendran to meet NSS general secretary G. Sukumaran Nair” said a BJP state leader.
Mr Pillai called on Mr Sukumaran Nair on Saturday seeking his support in the elections.
Meanwhile, Mr Surendran’s ‘Parivartan Yatra’ will conclude at Gandhi Park grounds here on Sunday evening.
