Thrissur’s political landscape is buzzing as Padmaja Venugopal prepares for her fourth electoral battle, this time under the BJP banner. At 66, the daughter of iconic leader K. Karunakaran is breaking from her Congress roots, a decision shaped by repeated losses and family political pressures.
Karunakaran’s era defined Kerala Congress. Four-time CM, he commanded immense sway and launched son Muraleedharan’s career triumphantly. The 1989 win over CPI(M)’s Inbiichi Babu amplified the Karunakaran clout.
Contrastingly, Padmaja faced turbulence. Her 2004 Mukundapuram bid flopped despite it being a safe seat. Party dynamics shifted post-Karunakaran’s declining health, limiting her prospects.
Thrissur became her battleground in 2016 and 2021. Losses mounted, but the latter was razor-thin—946 votes—signaling strong voter base. Yet, internal Congress snubs prompted her exit ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha elections, leading straight to BJP’s fold.
As whispers confirm her Thrissur candidacy, analysts eye changed equations: BJP’s rising footprint challenges traditional fronts. Padmaja’s switch isn’t just personal; it’s a potential game-changer, testing legacy against new loyalties in Kerala’s fiercely contested arena.