Thiruvananthapuram: The RSS, which has taken over BJP's Lok Sabha election campaigning in Kerala, is trying to rope in stalwarts to spruce up its chances in the crucial polls.
A list of probables, including Malayalam actor Mohanal and Pandalam royal family member Sasikumar Varma, has been handed over to the BJP leadership through national organising secretary Ram Lal.
Seven probables have been short listed for the Thiruvananthapuram seat.
Apart from Mohanlal, it also includes Rajya Sabha MP Suresh Gopi and former Kerala BJP chief Kummanam Rajasekharan.
The RSS is deploying a new strategy in the state by sidelining BJP leaders completely and taking over control of all 20 parliamentary constituencies. Fielding 10 known faces is part of that plan.
A private agency was entrusted with the task of knowing the pulse of the electorate.
From the findings of the survey, the RSS shortlisted its choice of probable candidates including Sasikumara Varma from Pathanamthitta. However, Sasikumar Varma is yet to decide on contesting the elections. Varma had hit headlines after he vehemently opposed the Left government's decision to implement the Supreme Court's verdict that allowed women of all age groups to enter the temple. Varma said he wanted the Sabarimala row to resonate in the Lok Sabha.
The list also includes the positives and negatives of each candidate. The RSS believes independent candidates will help the party develop its base and gather more votes.
The RSS still hopes to rope in Mohanlal even though the popular actor had reiterated his unwillingness to contest several times in the past few days.
Talking to Manorama Online, Mohanlal said that he had a clear-cut political stand but was unwilling to disclose his political allegiance on a public platform.
Ram Lal, who is considered close to Amit Shah in the party, held a meeting with the BJP state leadership the other day.
More leaders, including BJP president Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynanath, are expected to visit the state soon.
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