Veteran politician Padmaja Venugopal, aged 66, is poised for a pivotal career pivot, eyeing a BJP nomination from Thrissur assembly constituency. Having contested thrice under Congress—each time unsuccessfully—she’s now embracing a fresh political identity.
Born into power, she’s K. Karunakaran’s daughter, the four-term Chief Minister whose shadow loomed large over Kerala. Karunakaran fortified family influence by propelling son Muraleedharan to victory in 1989 against CPI(M) stalwart Inbiichi Babu.
Padmaja’s path diverged sharply. A 2004 loss in Mukundapuram marked a shaky start. With father’s clout fading amid health woes, her ascent stalled.
Returns to the fray in Thrissur 2016 and 2021 yielded defeats, though the 2021 margin of 946 votes underscored competitiveness. Citing unfair treatment, she severed Congress ties pre-2024 Lok Sabha polls, joining BJP formally.
Thrissur’s shifting sands—bolstered BJP presence—set the stage for her comeback. This isn’t mere opportunism; it’s a calculated leap from a storied past into uncharted territory, promising intrigue in Kerala’s bipolar politics.