Thiruvananthapuram/Desk: The various exit polls released following the conclusion of voting in Kerala primarily depict a contest confined to the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
However, contrary to these projections, strategists and grassroots workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—who have been actively campaigning in the state—believe that this time, the resounding impact of the ‘Lotus’ will take the entire nation by surprise.
Leaders campaigning for the BJP in Kerala assert that the tenure of the Leftist government has been characterized by rampant ‘anarchy’ and ‘politics devoid of development.’ The BJP argues that the people of Kerala have grown weary of the corruption that has permeated every level of governance.
According to a BJP leader who has established a strong rapport with the local populace, “The public has now seen through the game played by the traditional alliances (LDF-UDF) and is actively seeking a robust alternative.”
Three primary factors appear to underpin the BJP’s confidence:
Organizational Strength: Over the past few years, the BJP has significantly expanded its organizational footprint across Kerala—reaching even the remotest corners and extending down to the booth level. Bolstered by the strong presence of the RSS, the BJP’s political machinery is now more active than ever before.
Faith in the ‘Modi Brand’: Confidence among Kerala’s youth and middle class in the Central Government’s welfare schemes and in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has witnessed a significant surge.
BJP leaders claim that the slogan ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (Support of All, Development for All) has successfully resonated with and gained acceptance among Kerala’s Christian population and other communities as well.
Claims Regarding the Failure of Exit Polls: BJP supporters contend that survey agencies frequently fail to accurately gauge the pulse of Kerala’s ‘silent voters.’
They believe that the exit polls are understating the BJP’s actual strength—a portrayal that, in their view, is far removed from reality.
For decades, Kerala’s politics has revolved around two distinct poles. However, this time around, the BJP has positioned itself as a ‘strong third alternative.’ The party believes that the people of Kerala now desire change, and the BJP’s ‘development-oriented politics’ has emerged as the best option for them.
If the BJP’s claims prove true, it would not only mark a major political upheaval in South India but also signal an ideological shift within the last bastion of the Left.
While the true picture will only become clear on the day of the election results, the BJP’s confidence suggests that the contest in Kerala has been a triangular and intriguing one this time around.