The Bharatiya Janata Party has named B B Gopakumar, one of its three elected MLAs in Kerala, as leader of its legislature party. Gopakumar was chosen over prominent figures Rajeev Chandrasekhar and V Muraleedharan, both former Union ministers elected from Nemom and Kazhakkoottam.
More than two weeks after results were declared and after the assembly elected its speaker, the party announced the decision on Wednesday, just before the new session begins on Friday with the governor’s address.
Gopakumar said the selection surprised him and that he learned of it from Chandrasekhar, the state BJP president. He pledged to serve as the party’s voice in the assembly and called the role a great honour.
Gopakumar won the Left-dominated Chathannoor seat by more than 4,000 votes. A retired school headmaster who joined the BJP a decade ago through its missed-call membership drive, he had also sought the speaker post last week.
Chathannoor, held by the CPI since 2006, saw RSS workers active at the grassroots level, aiding his victory. He also drew support from the Hindu Ezhava community, which forms about 45 percent of voters, with strong local presence from SNDP Yogam and NSS.
A former Congress member, Gopakumar contested Chathannoor in 2016 when the BJP secured 24.92 percent. He raised it to 30.61 percent in 2021 and won in 2026 with 38.54 percent against the CPI candidate. He had served as BJP Kollam district president and remained active locally.
He suggested the Chathannoor model could be replicated across Kerala seats.
BJP sources described his elevation as reflecting growing RSS influence in party affairs. He received RSS backing in 2016 and during the recent campaign, as the organisation sought to recognise a leader who rose through the ranks.
Among the three MLAs, Gopakumar is viewed as a safer choice that helps consolidate the party and shifts focus to Kollam district. After gains in Thiruvananthapuram, including the municipal corporation and two assembly seats, the party aims to expand into the neighbouring Left stronghold.
Muraleedharan’s post-election remarks on minorities reportedly did not align with state leadership views. He is expected to receive a role in the national president’s central team.
Sources noted Gopakumar exemplifies advancement through dedicated work, showing other members that effort leads to positions. His age of 60 and organisational experience, compared with Muraleedharan’s 67 years, were also factors.
