Thiruvananthapuram (Keralam) [India], May 21 (ANI): Keralam Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Thursday said that the BJP MLA-elects scheduled to take oath today in the Assembly, will work to create “a new kind of politics” and affirmed that the party will present a strong opposition front to advance development in the state.
The first session of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly will commence today, and the election for the Speaker of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly is scheduled to take place on Friday, i.e., May 22.
Speaking with ANI here, the Keralam BJP chief recognised the day as historic and said that the MLAs will pursue the “politics of development” taught by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Asserting that the assembly lacked strong opposition to date, Chandrashekhar said that the BJP will bring a change.
“Today is a very happy day in the history of the NDA. It is a day that creates history. Today, three MLAs are taking their oath in the Legislative Assembly. We see this as the result of many years of hard work by the party and the alliance, and the support of 30 lakh people. First, I would like to thank everyone,” he said.
“From today onwards, both inside and outside the Assembly, these three MLAs will work to create a new kind of politics and present a vision for development. We have a clear vision–the politics of development taught to us by Narendra Modi ji. We haven’t seen or heard this in the Kerala Assembly until today. For the last 10 years, there hasn’t really been a strong opposition party here. These three MLAs are starting their work today to change all that. I request everyone’s blessings and support. We give our word that we will work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for the dreams of these 30 lakh people,” he added.
Chandrasekhar further said that the party has nominated Gopakumar for the designation of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, adding that the party is yet to decide the Parliamentary Party leader. Nonetheless, he affirmed that the BJP will raise its voice for the public and ensure “corruption-free governance and development” in the state.
“Furthermore, for the first time in the political history of Kerala, there will be a BJP Speaker candidate. Shri Gopakumar ji will be our candidate for the Speaker’s post. Both V. Muraleedharan and I will propose him,” he said.
“Regarding the Parliamentary Party leader, that will be decided soon; the party will choose who will lead us. We will definitely be the voice of the people in the Assembly. I’m not focused on whether we are the primary or secondary opposition, but we will raise our voices for their dreams. Our agenda is clear: corruption-free governance and development for all. I guarantee that the BJP-NDA will work strongly for that. If it’s for the good of the country, we will support those doing good things,” he added.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA-elect V Muraleedharan seconded Chandrasekhar’s thoughts and said that the BJP will work for the betterment of the state.
“We will work for the welfare of the people of Keralam and the betterment of the state,” he said.
Congress leader VD Satheesan was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Keralam, officially bringing the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) back to power after a ten-year hiatus, following their landslide victory in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Keralam Governor administered the oath of office to Satheesan and his 20-member Cabinet. (ANI)