RSS Volunteer in Kerala Dies by Suicide After Reportedly Being Denied BJP Ticket for Local Body Elections

An RSS volunteer from Thiruvananthapuram died by suicide after he was allegedly denied a BJP ticket for the upcoming local body elections. The deceased, identified as Anand K. Thampi from Trikkannapuram, had been preparing to contest from the Trikkannapuram ward of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.

According to police, Anand was found dead on Saturday night in a shed behind his residence. Friends rushed to the spot after receiving a distress message from him and took him to a nearby hospital, but doctors were unable to save his life.

Police said Anand became distraught after discovering that his name was missing from the BJP’s candidate list for the ward. Following the announcement, he posted on social media stating that he would contest as an independent candidate after failing to secure a party ticket.

Earlier on Saturday afternoon, Anand also sent WhatsApp messages to his friends alleging harassment by BJP and RSS workers and expressing his intent to end his life.

In his message, he claimed he had informed RSS leaders about his desire to contest, but certain local authorities linked to a sand-smuggling syndicate prevented him from being considered. He also said that once he decided to run independently, several acquaintances began distancing themselves from him, which caused him further distress.

A suicide note recovered from his home contained similar allegations. In it, Anand wrote that “a land mafia gang has taken control of the RSS and BJP” and accused Vinod Kumar – whom he described as being associated with the land mafia – of being chosen as the party’s candidate for the ward.

He wrote that life as an RSS worker had pushed him “to the point of suicide” and claimed he had been subjected to severe mental pressure by both BJP and RSS members. Anand ended the note expressing hope that no one else would meet the same fate, and requested that BJP and RSS functionaries should not be allowed near his body.

However, local BJP leaders denied the allegations, asserting that Anand had never approached them seeking a ticket and that his death was unrelated to the party’s candidate selection process.

BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar stated that district leaders informed him Anand’s name had not appeared in the ward’s shortlist, but assured that the party would examine the matter. District officials also said they would investigate the additional allegations raised by Anand.

Leaders of the Shiv Sena claimed that Anand had approached them after being denied a BJP ticket. According to them, he met their party leaders at a hotel on Friday night, decided to join the Shiv Sena, and began campaigning on Saturday morning.

The police have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. Officials said a case will be registered after recording the statements of his relatives.