THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP’s former state president Kummanam Rajasekharan and state general secretary Sobha Surendran have emerged leading contenders for the party’s ticket in the Vattiyoorkavu and Konni assembly constituencies, respectively, while an Ernakulam-based young face is being considered for Manjeswaram.
BJP state president P.S. Sreedharan Pillai ruled himself out of the fray on Tuesday amid reports that he might emerge as the party’s choice should Mr Rajasekharan decide to keep off the poll battle.
The BJP is contesting Vattiyoorkavu, Konni, Ernakulam and Manjeswaram seats while and its NDA ally BDJS is contesting Aroor. The parties are expected to announce candidates in a day or two. Mr Pillai said the party is investigating the allegation of vote trading by its Pala Assembly mandalam president Binu Pulikakandom. Mr Pillai said he will reveal more about the suspension of Mr Pulikakandom only after the probe is completed.
