Amid growing dissatisfaction in Kasaragod over the absence of ministerial representation in the new UDF Cabinet despite the front winning four seats in the district, former BJP State president K. Surendran has triggered political debate by criticising the exclusion of A.K.M. Ashraf from the newly sworn-in ministry.

Mr. Surendran’s remark made through a Facebook post following the formation of the new UDF government in Kerala has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters describing them as a genuine expression of concern for Kasaragod, while critics view them as a calculated political move aimed at creating differences within the UDF and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). In the post, Mr. Surendran said Kasargod had once again been neglected despite remaining one of the most underdeveloped districts in the State.

Some IUML supporters claimed he was trying to provoke dissatisfaction among party workers by highlighting the elevation of K.M. Shaji while Mr. Ashraf was overlooked.

He said the district deserved a ministerial berth and termed the denial of Cabinet position to Mr. Ashraf as “deeply painful”, particularly after his emphatic electoral victory over Manjeswaram.

Beginning his post with remark that “there are only political rival, no enemies,” Mr. Surendran said he had sincerely wished for Kasaragod to have a Minister. He added that Mr. Ashraf had won from Manjeswaram with a strong majority and deserved consideration for the post. The BJP leader openly supporting the very MLA who defeated him in Manjeswaram has surprised many political observers.

The post soon triggered a flood of reactions on social media, with several users comparing Mr. Surendran to Sandeep Warrier, who switched from BJP to Congress in 2024 and went on to win the Trikaripur seat in this elections. Some comments suggested that Mr. Surendran should follow a similar political path if he wished to remain relevant in Kerala politics.

Some commentators argued that Mr. Surendran raised a valid concern about continued neglect of Kasaragod, irrespective of which party is in power. Some users pointed out that the district has long suffered from inadequate attention in health and education sector despite consistently contributing seats to the UDF.

The debate also reignited discussions about the lack of an AIIMS-like institution in Kasaragod, with many questioning why BJP leadership at the Centre, despite Mr. Surendran’s influence, has not brought such a project to the district.

Political observers believe the BJP leader is attempting to capitalise on the dissatisfaction in Kasaragod over the lack of ministerial representation in the new Cabinet, even after the UDF secured four seats in the district.