BDJS Revolts as BJP Sidelines Allies in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Polls

Thiruvananthapuram: The BJP’s first phase list of candidates for the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has triggered a rift within the NDA. The Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) came out in protest, alleging that the BJP had ignored alliance protocol and sidelined them. BDJS district president Premraj announced that the party would contest independently in 20 wards.

The BDJS plans to field candidates in wards including Muttada, Kesavadasapuram, Nandancode, Idavakkode, Mannanthala, Vattiyoorkavu, Kanjiramppara, Kodunganoor, and Kazhakuttam. Last time, despite demanding 12 wards, they were allotted only one. This time, they had requested 11 wards. BDJS leaders claimed that, even after reaching an understanding with the district leadership and preparing candidates in several wards, they were completely ignored. The district leadership said the insult would be answered through the ballot.

BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar announced the first list of 67 candidates on Sunday. More than ten sitting councillors have been included in the list.

However, the party has not excluded those facing corruption allegations. The seat for Karumam was given to Ashanath, a former councillor from Pappanamcode, who had earlier been accused of embezzling money by distributing welfare benefits through a private agent. The list itself, sources say, confirms that such corrupt practices occurred with the knowledge of the BJP district leadership.