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Padmaja Venugopal switches to BJP, eyes Thrissur in three-way 2026 Kerala Assembly race
Padmaja Venugopal left the Congress in March 2024 to join the BJP and is contesting Thrissur in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections. The article outlines her political journey and Thrissur’s election history, framing the upcoming race as a tight three-way contest.
Why It Matters
Her move to BJP and the Thrissur race highlight shifting loyalties in Kerala politics and the significance of high-profile candidates in a closely watched constituency.
Timeline
8 Events
Thrissur to feature a three-way contest in 2026 Kerala Assembly elections
May 3, 2026
In the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, Thrissur is set for a three-cornered contest among Padmaja Venugopal (BJP), CPI's Alankode Leelakrishnan, and Congress candidate Rajan J Pallan.
Padmaja Venugopal joins BJP
March 2024
Padmaja Venugopal parted ways with the Indian National Congress in March 2024 following differences with the state leadership and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party; she becomes a member of the BJP National Council.
2021 Thrissur Assembly election; CPI retains seat
2021
In the 2021 Thrissur Assembly election, Padmaja Venugopal contested and was defeated by CPI's P. Balachandran by 946 votes; CPI retained the seat.
2016 Thrissur Assembly election; CPI regains seat
2016
In the 2016 Thrissur Assembly election, CPI regained the seat with V. S. Sunil Kumar winning.
2011 Thrissur Assembly election won by Congress
2011
In the 2011 Thrissur Assembly election, Congress candidate Therambil Ramakrishnan defeated CPI's P. Balachandran.
Contested 2004 Lok Sabha election from Mukundapuram
2004
Padmaja Venugopal contested the 2004 Lok Sabha election from Mukundapuram and was not successful.
Becomes Chairperson of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation
2001
Padmaja Venugopal serves as Chairperson of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.
Padmaja Venugopal enters politics with the Indian National Congress
1996
Padmaja Venugopal begins her political career with the Indian National Congress.