The BJP has finalised key responsibilities for its MLAs in the Kerala Assembly, with Rajeev Chandrasekhar likely to become the legislature party leader. V. Muraleedharan is expected to take charge as legislature party secretary, while B. B. Gopakumar may serve as the party whip. The official announcement is expected after approval from the BJP central leadership.
Party sources said the arrangement was designed to allow Chandrasekhar, who also heads the BJP’s Kerala unit, to focus more on organisational responsibilities. Muraleedharan, as legislature party secretary, is expected to handle the party’s coordination within the Assembly, including communication with the legislature secretariat and deciding which MLAs will speak on various issues.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Chandrasekhar was seated in the front row, while Muraleedharan and Gopakumar occupied seats behind him. However, the seating arrangement is likely to be revised once the Assembly begins its regular sessions.
Both Chandrasekhar and Muraleedharan previously served in the Rajya Sabha and held Union ministerial positions. Chandrasekhar entered Parliament in 2006, while Muraleedharan became a Rajya Sabha member in 2018. Gopakumar, currently BJP’s Thiruvananthapuram Zone president, secured victory from Chathannur in 2026 after finishing runner-up in the previous two Assembly elections.
Ahead of taking oath, the three BJP legislators paid homage at Martyr’s Square and later joined a party march to the Assembly alongside BJP leaders and supporters.
Although the BJP has only three MLAs in the 16th Kerala Assembly, the party has decided to nominate Gopakumar for the Speaker election. Muraleedharan said the move was intended to underline the BJP’s independent political position and voice in the Assembly.
