Kottayam: The Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), which was poised to unveil its roster of candidates for the upcoming elections on Saturday, stopped short of announcing just two candidates. While KA Unnikrishnan will contest from Chalakkudy, Baiju Kalasala emerged as the BDJS candidate from Mavelikara.

BDJS, a significant ally within the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), will be vying for seats in Kottayam, Idukki, Mavelikkara, and Chalakudy.

Following a state executive meeting in Cherthala, BDJS had earlier said that its party chief, Thushar Vellappally, will be their candidate for Kottayam.

Insiders speculate that Mathew Stephen, former Kerala Congress leader and ex-Udumbanchola MLA, may be an unexpected choice for Idukki, leveraging his strong ties with the local Christian community. As the dominant party within the coalition, BDJS will consult the BJP and make the final decision.