In Thiruvananthapuram on November 7, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced a new outreach plan aimed at Kerala’s Muslim households ahead of the state’s local body elections. State BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the campaign is not about courting votes but about forging understanding and inclusion.
“We’re not seeking votes right now,” Chandrasekhar told reporters. “It’s about building trust with every Muslim family and sharing the BJP’s vision of a ‘Viksit Kerala’ – a developed, forward‑looking state.” The drive will be led by the party’s Vice‑President Abdul Salam, who will travel across the state making door‑to‑door visits, small group meetings, and talks with community leaders.
BJP’s plan follows a broader shift in the party’s Kerala strategy. For years, the BJP has struggled to win seats in the 140‑member state assembly, struggling for a foothold in a state dominated by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF). The party’s first Lok Sabha seat in Kerala came only recently, when actor‑turned‑politician Suresh Gopi won the Thrissur seat in 2019.
The outreach is timed as the State Election Commission prepares to announce the local body poll dates. The elections will cover almost all 1,200 local self‑government bodies in Kerala – 941 gram panchayats, 152 block panchayats, 14 district panchayats, 87 municipalities, and six municipal corporations. The last local polls in 2020 saw the LDF win 40.2 % of the vote, the UDF 37.9 %, and the BJP‑led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) 15 %. The LDF captured 314 gram panchayats and 43 municipalities, the UDF took 321 gram panchayats and 41 municipalities, while the BJP secured 19 gram panchayats and three municipalities.
“Minorities have long been used by other parties as a wedge,” Chandrasekhar added. “Both the CPI‑M and the Congress have spread fear and misinformation among Muslim voters. That era is ending.” He blamed politicians on both sides for feeding doubts about the BJP’s stance on minority rights.
Party insiders say that even a modest improvement in how the Muslim community views the BJP could swing votes in key urban seats. In a state where Muslims make up a significant voting bloc, building genuine ties with this group is critical for the party’s chance to win local elections.
The BJP’s outreach will spotlight the national government’s welfare schemes and development programmes that benefit all communities. By showcasing concrete examples of support – from rural infrastructure projects to rural employment drives – the party aims to dispel misconceptions that it favours only a particular group.
BJP leaders have been stressing inclusive politics and social harmony in southern states for months, especially after the high‑profile Modi cabinet visit last year. This new campaign in Kerala is part of that larger narrative – positioning the BJP as a party for every community, not just a single cast or creed.
While the BJP currently has no assembly representation in Kerala, the party’s grassroots push is a sign that it is trying to broaden its reach. If successful, the campaign could help the BJP carve out a stronger base, especially in the urban municipalities where small margins often decide outcomes.
The local election schedule is still pending, but the state’s 1,200 municipalities and panchayats promise a high‑stakes race. Kerala’s political future will depend on how parties connect with its diverse voters. For now, the BJP’s door‑to‑door Muslim outreach marks an exciting – and risky – new chapter in the state’s politics.
Source: ianslive
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