Following the BJP’s defeat in the Palakkad by-election, municipality chairperson Prameela Sasidharan criticized the party’s leadership for mishandling candidate selection. She alleged that the leadership ignored suggestions to change the candidate, which could have improved the party’s prospects.
“We had requested a change in the candidate, pointing out that replacing C. Krishnakumar during the Lok Sabha election campaign raised similar questions from the public. Despite this feedback, the state leadership decided to back him again,” Prameela said.
Dismissing attempts to blame the municipal administration for the loss, Prameela remarked, “It’s like blaming the mother for a child’s failure. People questioned whether we had no other candidate to field. The leadership was informed in advance that a new candidate would be better suited, but they chose not to act.”
Prameela also emphasized that local representatives, including councilors, worked wholeheartedly for the candidate despite any dissatisfaction. “Councilors visited their wards multiple times, seeking votes for Krishnakumar. Even state leaders campaigned for him. Ultimately, it’s the people who vote, and we can only request their support,” she said.
She concluded by holding the state leadership, including the state president, accountable for the defeat, reiterating the need for introspection and better decision-making within the party.
