Kerala Polls: BJP Releases Second List Of 39 Candidates In Assembly Elections; Check Full List

Thiruvananthapuram: The Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) released the names of candidates contesting the 2026 Kerala Assembly Elections on Thursday, fielding K Ranjith from Dharmadam against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. 

The party has released its second list of 39 candidates, which includes heavyweights such as former Mizoram Governor and veteran leader Kummanam Rajasekharan, who has been fielded from Aranmula.

Rajasekharan’s candidacy is seen as a strategic move to consolidate votes in a constituency with significant cultural and religious resonance.

The party has leaned into star power and professional appeal by fielding Dr Robin Radhakrishnan (Robin RB) from Kundara.

He is joined by fellow medical professional Dr N. Prathap Kumar, who will contest from the prestigious Kollam seat.

Focus on Legal and Academic Experts

The BJP has notably prioritised candidates with legal and academic backgrounds in this round of selections.

Several advocates have been positioned in key battlegrounds such as Adv. B. Gopalakrishnan, a prominent face in TV debates, will contest from Guruvayoor.

Adv. T.S. Ullas Babu has been cleared for Wadakkanchery. Adv. N. Sreeprakash (Ernad) and Adv. K.P. Balaraj (Perinthalmanna) represent the party’s push into the Malappuram belt.

The academic sector is also well-represented with educators such as M. Preman Master (Vallikkunnu), K. Narayanan Master (Tirur), and V. Unnikrishnan Master (Thrithala) making the cut.

Regional Breakdown and Representation

The second list shows a heavy concentration in the Malappuram and Palakkad regions, where the party is trying to increase its vote share.

Candidates such as Smt. Ashwathy Guptha Kumar (Malappuram) and Shri P. Subrahmanian (Kondotty) face the task of navigating one of the state's most complex political landscapes.

The party has also ensured representation in reserved constituencies, fielding Smt Renu Suresh in Kongad (SC) and Shri Suresh Babu in Tarur (SC).

A Diverse Slate

From Smt. Ashwini M.L. in the northernmost tip of Kasaragod to Shri M.J. Job in Alappuzha, the BJP’s second list signals an attempt to project an inclusive, "development-first" image.

By fielding a mix of women candidates, such as Smt. Pathmasree M. (Manjeri) and Smt. Deepa Puzhakkal (Tanur), alongside seasoned politicians like Shri P.R. Sivasankar (Ernakulam), the party is preparing for a multi-cornered fight across the state.

With this release, the BJP has now cleared the air on most of its key constituencies, setting the stage for an intense campaign as the state moves closer to the polls.

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