‘Will return (from Kerala) only after bringing party to power’: Rajeev Chandrasekhar on taking over as state BJP chief

Speaking at a party function after taking over, Chandrashekar said: “To realise the aim of Prime Minister Narenda Modi, we have to bring the NDA to power in Kerala. This is my mission and I will return only after accomplishing this mission. I will dedicate my entire time for this mission”.

Senior leaders of the Kerala BJP — including Union Minister Suresh Gopi –attended the event. The event also saw national BJP leaders such as the party’s Kerala in-charge Prakash Javadekar, co-in-charge Aparajita Sarangi and Union Minister and BJP leader Pralhad Joshi were present.

In his speech Monday, the former union minister also spoke about trying to bring about development and change to Kerala – a topic he had also used during his Lok Sabha campaign.

“Kerala should develop and there should be opportunities for all. When Modi assumed office in 2014, the Indian economy was weakest among the nations. Eleven years in, our economy is among the top four. The politics of performance has led to the growth of the country. India has opportunities the country never before had,” he said.

Kerala, he said, wants change. “Kerala wants investment and employment. What we need is a Kerala of opportunities. Our development vision should reach all households in the state. We want to bring changes to Kerala. Our children want jobs and they want a good future. This is our vision,” he said.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who defeated Chandrashekar in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, said in a tweet: Congratulations and best wishes to the newly elected Kerala State President of the BJP, @RajeevRC_X . Looking forward to crossing swords again”.