Sun Nov 16 16:37:15 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

In the lead-up to local body elections in Thiruvananthapuram, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing a crisis of public image. A recent alleged suicide of an RSS leader, Anand K. Thampi, who blamed the BJP for denying him a ticket, has triggered criticism that the party abandons dedicated workers. This incident follows other controversies, including a previous suicide of a councillor who felt abandoned by the BJP after a financial collapse, allegations of sexual abuse within the RSS, and an alleged attempted suicide by a Mahila Morcha leader who claimed her electoral chances were sabotaged. The opposition parties, CPI(M) and Congress, are seizing the opportunity to politically attack the BJP, while the BJP leadership denies any wrongdoing and claims the deceased RSS leader had defected to a rival party.

News Article:

BJP Faces Crisis as Alleged Suicide and Accusations Rock Kerala Party Ahead of Local Elections

Thiruvananthapuram, India – November 16, 2025 – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala is reeling from a series of controversies just weeks before crucial local body elections in December. The latest blow comes after the alleged suicide of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Anand K. Thampi, who purportedly accused the BJP leadership of denying him a ticket for the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation election in a note.

The incident has opened the BJP to criticism, both internally and from opposition parties, that the party is prone to abandoning loyal workers in favor of newer, preferred candidates. This sentiment was seemingly echoed by a Mahila Morcha leader, Salini, who allegedly attempted suicide, accusing the RSS of sabotaging her electoral prospects through a smear campaign. While BJP leader V.V. Rajesh said the party would investigate Ms. Salini’s grievance, the timing is especially damaging.

These events have compounded existing woes for the BJP. The party is still facing scrutiny over the suicide of Thirumala ward councillor K. Anil last month. Mr. Anil, in his purported suicide note, expressed disillusionment with the BJP leadership for allegedly abandoning him amidst the financial collapse of a cooperative society he led. Further adding to the party’s troubles are previous allegations of sexual abuse within the RSS.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and the Congress have been quick to capitalize on the situation. CPI(M) State committee member V. Sivankutty visited Anand’s family, offering condolences and promising accountability for those who “abetted” the suicide. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has described the BJP as a “troubled house” under its State president, Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

Chandrasekhar has refuted the allegations, stating that Anand was never considered a candidate and had, in fact, joined the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray), a member of the opposition INDIA bloc, and declared his independent candidacy. However, the string of incidents has undoubtedly tarnished the BJP’s image and raises questions about its internal dynamics as it heads into the upcoming local elections.

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