Thiruvananthapuram: The BJP is likely to field former deputy solicitor general Jacob Thomas from Thrissur or Iringalakuda assembly constituency in the upcoming assembly elections. It is understood that Thomas’ candidacy is more in the interest of the RSS than the BJP leadership in the state.Thomas announced his support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2021. He obtained party membership from JP Nadda, the then national president of the party. The central leadership has repeatedly relied on his independent assessment of political developments and organizational matters related to the BJP’s Kerala unit. However, the state leadership of the BJP failed to realize his full potential, which to some extent alienated him from the BJP activities in the state. From then on, he became more aligned with the RSS and its ideology.He made headlines in October 2025 when he joined the RSS Padasanchalan in Kochi wearing traditional RSS attire. Replying to questions, Thomas always said that RSS has no caste or religion, adding that the organization is committed to social welfare.According to BJP sources, sending Thomas to Thrissur or Iringalakuda will provide a legitimate reason for members of the Christian community to vote for the BJP candidate. They believe his public profile as an anti-corruption activist will make him an ideal candidate for all segments of society. Party supporters also point to his earlier confrontations with the SDF government and the unfair treatment he received from the political establishment as factors that could work in his favor as a candidate.Meanwhile, some leaders in the state unit of the BJP have expressed doubts about Thomas’ prospects in the two constituencies. According to them, Union Minister Suresh Gopi has been a huge disappointment as Thrissur MP and Thomas or any other BJP candidate may find it difficult to overcome this disappointment factor. The weak organizational structure of the BJP in Thrissur is also cited as a matter of concern.They also fear that the UDF’s better relations with the Christian churches may also be detrimental to the BJP. They point out that there is still a glimmer of hope for the BJP candidate. Gopi won 40,457 votes in the last assembly election from Thrissur assembly seat, although he came third. CPI’s P Balachandran’s lead is about 3%. According to people supporting Thomas’ candidacy in Thrissur, Thomas has a chance of winning as the BJP increased its vote share in the subsequent Lok Sabha elections.
