The Bharatiya Janata Party gears up for its most ambitious Kerala assembly election bid yet, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah leading the charge by officially launching the campaign. This move highlights the national leadership’s commitment to conquering the last major southern bastion.
Kerala’s voters have long oscillated between the Left and Congress fronts, but cracks are appearing. Rising unemployment among youth, strained public finances, and perceived minority appeasement have created openings for the BJP’s narrative of inclusive growth and strong governance.
Shah, often called the ‘Chanakya of Indian politics,’ arrives to set the tone. His speech at the launch event will likely dissect the LDF’s nine-year rule, pointing to lapses in law and order, healthcare, and infrastructure. The BJP promises a ‘double-engine’ government synergy with the Modi regime at the center.
From a single seat in 2016 to a credible opposition voice today, the BJP’s ascent in Kerala is remarkable. Strategic alliances, like with the BDJS, and charismatic leaders such as Kummanam Rajasekharan have fueled this rise. Shah’s role will be to unify these efforts into a winning machine.
The campaign blueprint involves over 10,000 workers fanning out, leveraging apps for voter data, and high-decibel ads. Women and youth outreach, farmer welfare schemes, and anti-corruption drives form the core agenda.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan downplays the threat, but internal surveys suggest BJP gains in central and northern districts. Congress, weakened by infighting, faces a squeeze.
Shah’s visit symbolizes hope for BJP faithful and a wake-up call for incumbents. In the battle for Kerala’s 140 seats, his launch could prove the tipping point, reshaping the state’s political map for generations.