Grand Inauguration in Thiruvananthapuram
On July 12, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah officially inaugurated the newly constructed seven-storey, 60,000 sq ft BJP state committee office—Mararji Bhavan—in Thiruvananthapuram, marking a significant step ahead of local-body and assembly elections 1.
Inauguration Highlights
Shah arrived late the previous night, hoisted the BJP flag, planted a sapling, cut the ceremonial ribbon, and lit a traditional lamp. He paid homage with floral tributes to a bronze bust of former party president K G Marar housed in the central hall 2.
Facilities & Design
The building replaces the older Mararji Bhavan and features modern amenities for party operations. Constructed on a seven-year timeline—with the foundation stone laid in June 2017—the office stands ready as the nerve centre for Bengal’s state party activities 3.
Electoral Strategy Kickoff
Following the inauguration, Shah addressed a ‘Viksit Keralam Sammelan’ at Putharikandam Maidan, attended by thousands of booth-level leaders. A subsequent closed-door state leadership strategy meeting focused on preparations for the October local-body elections and the May 2026 state assembly polls 4.
Temple Visit & Security Measures
This evening, Shah traveled to Kannur for prayers at the Rajarajeshwara Temple in Taliparamba before departing for Delhi. For security, local authorities imposed a three-day ban on drones, paragliders, and UAVs within a five-km radius of the Kannur airport 5.
Trivia & Timeline
- July 12, 2025: Inauguration of Mararji Bhavan.
- June 3, 2017: Foundation stone laid for the seven-storey structure.
- Building size: 60,000 sq ft over seven floors 6.
- Upcoming polls: Local bodies in October 2025; Kerala Assembly in May 2026.
Political Significance
The inauguration signals BJP’s push to consolidate its presence in Kerala—traditionally dominated by LDF and UDF—by equipping its cadre with a centralised headquarters. The state office aims to serve as both organisational hub and a symbolic statement of long-term intent.
Source: The Week