In a significant move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated Abdul Salam as its sole Muslim candidate in Kerala for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This decision marks a noteworthy development in the state's political landscape and has garnered attention both within and outside the BJP.
Who is Abdul Salam?
Abdul Salam hails from Tirur, Kerala, and boasts an impressive academic background. According to his LinkedIn profile, he has made substantial contributions to the field of Biological Sciences, having published 153 research papers, 15 review articles, and 13 books until 2018.
In the realm of politics, Abdul Salam joined the BJP in 2019 and contested from the 135th Nemom constituency in the 2021 Kerala assembly elections. He also served as the vice chancellor of Calicut University from 2011 to 2015, adding to his diverse professional experience.
BJP's Candidate List for Kerala:
Abdul Salam's nomination as the lone Muslim candidate is part of the BJP's broader strategy for the Lok Sabha elections in Kerala. The party's initial list of candidates for the state comprises 12 individuals, even though Kerala sends 20 members to the lower house of parliament.
Notable candidates in the BJP's roster include Suresh Gopi, a prominent film actor contesting from the Thrissur seat, and Anil Antony, son of former defense minister AK Antony, fielded from Pathanamthitta. MT Ramesh is nominated from Kozhikode, while Union minister of state Rajeev Chandrashekhar is set to contest from Thiruvananthapuram, a constituency currently held by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.
Interestingly, BJP Kerala State Unit Chief K Surendran's absence from the candidate list has sparked speculation, with reports suggesting that he may not be contesting in the upcoming elections.
Conclusion
Abdul Salam's candidacy as the BJP's lone Muslim face in Kerala underscores the party's efforts to diversify its representation and reach out to a broader section of the electorate. As the Lok Sabha elections draw near, all eyes will be on Abdul Salam and the BJP's other candidates as they vie for electoral success in the state.
