BB Gopakumar Photo Credit: FILE Photo
In his first major speech since being elected as the first ever BJP MLA from Kollam district, BB Gopakumar said the political leadership must show basic courtesy and respect the people’s mandate. On Saturday (May 9, 2026), Mr. Gopakumar said his win in Chathannur was the culmination of a decade-long relationship with the electorate that saw him rise from a perennial second place to first place. He added that the enlightened voters of Chathannur, who had placed him second in the last two terms, this time decided to entrust him with the responsibility of representing them, guided by their affection and desire for change.
Addressing the local development crisis, Mr. Gopakumar noted that the constituency faces multifaceted challenges that vary across sectors. “After extensive interaction with the public during the campaign, I have come across specific grievances of the working class, especially those who are cashew nuts. I will work hard for the general welfare of Chathannur by integrating the resources of the Union government, the state government and the three-tier panchayat raj system. The long-term demand of Chathannuri for the v. taluk will be a key priority in my legislative agenda,” he said.
Mr. Gopakumar also launched a sharp counter-offensive against the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) allegations of collusion between the CPI(M) and the BJP in Chathannur and Kottarakara. He questioned why the UDF could not retain the huge vote share it secured during the previous Lok Sabha elections in Chathannur. Referring to NK Premachandran’s performance a year ago, Mr. Gopakumar asked why these votes were not reflected in the current parliamentary polls or local body elections. “Instead of looking for hidden deals, the UDF should introspect its own inability to hold on to its base. If shifts in vote share were the only criteria for alleged deals, then the UDF’s victory in the Kollam seat, where the LDF’s votes were said to have dipped, could be framed in the same light.” He added that the LDF’s decision to change its candidate actually helped the Left avoid a more crushing defeat, suggesting that its margin of victory would have been even higher had the incumbent remained.
Published – 09 May 2026 18:12 IST
