THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala political landscape is buzzing with reports of growing discontent within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as two high-profile entrants, Padmaja Venugopal and former DGP R. Sreelekha, are reportedly facing neglect after being promised significant roles.
​According to political observers, the trend of attracting veterans from other parties with “golden promises” only to sideline them later is becoming a controversial pattern for the saffron party in the state.
​The Governor Post That Never Came
​Padmaja Venugopal, daughter of late Congress legend K. Karunakaran, sent shockwaves through the Congress camp when she defected to the BJP in March 2024, just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. It was widely reported that she was promised a Governor position in exchange for her move.
​The entry, facilitated by Suresh Gopi, was seen as a strategic masterstroke that helped Gopi secure a historic win in Thrissur. However, while Suresh Gopi has since been elevated to a Union Minister post, Padmaja Venugopal remains without any official designation or the promised gubernatorial role, leading to questions about her future in the party.
​R. Sreelekha: The Mayor Candidate Who Wasn’t
​A similar story is unfolding for Kerala’s first woman DGP, R. Sreelekha. She joined the BJP with the expectation of being the face of the party in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. After winning from the Sasthamangalam ward, it was widely anticipated that she would be the party’s Mayor candidate.
​However, recent developments suggest a shift in strategy. The party is now reportedly considering V.V. Rajesh for the Mayor’s chair, effectively pushing Sreelekha to the periphery. Sources suggest that while Amit Shah had initially given assurances to Sreelekha, internal party dynamics have led to dramatic shifts, possibly offering her a seat in Vattiyoorkavu as a “consolation” instead.
​A Pattern of Neglect?
​These incidents have fueled criticism that the BJP uses influential figures for immediate electoral gains—such as utilizing Padmaja’s lineage or Sreelekha’s professional reputation—only to ignore them once the objectives are met. As the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections approach, this perceived “use and throw” policy could pose a significant challenge for the BJP in attracting more leaders from the UDF and LDF camps.
