Kerala polls: Sreesanth files nomination, says 'people believe in BJP'

Thiruvananthapuram: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate and former Indian cricketer Sreesanth on Thursday filed his nomination papers from the Thiruvananthapuram assembly seat in Kerala.

"I am happy to receive such a grand welcome in the party. I am confident ahead of the elections," said the former pacer after filing his nomination papers.

"During the election campaigning, the people said that they had supported one or the other party for the past 50-60 years, but this time they are going with the BJP because they believe in them," he said, reflecting on the electorates' mood.

"I had suffered a lot in 2013 and one of the reasons of my joining the BJP is I do not want anyone to suffer like I had. Despite being a part of two victorious world cup campaigns, I had to go through all that. Not a single politician from Kerala had come to visit me during those days. I was seen and treated like a terrorist. So, I do not want such things to happen to anyone," he added.

Sreesanth, who had joined the BJP on March 25, earlier said Kerala needs development and urged the youth to strive for change.

"The states ruled by BJP are doing well. BJP has been very supportive towards me also. There hasn't been much change in Kerala. There has been development but not huge development, youngsters should come forward and start a change," he said.

The BJP would be hoping to make inroads is a state, which has been predominantly ruled by traditional rivals Congress-led UDF or CPM-led LDF governments.

In Kerala, the voting for 140 assembly seats would be held in a single phase on May 16. The counting of votes will take place on May 19, 2016.