We will win Lok Sabha seats from Kerala in 2024: State BJP chief

NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is trying to make inroads in the southern state of Kerala which has been mostly ruled by the Congress and the Left. The party had opened its account in the legislative Assembly elections held in 2016, but failed to win in the 2021 elections. It failed to win any seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as well. However, BJP Kerala unit president K. Surendran has exuded confidence that the party will win seats in the Lok Sabha elections to be held next year.
In an exclusive interview to The Sunday Guardian, the BJP leader claimed that there is a pro-BJP wave throughout the state and it will help the party win seats.Excerpts:
Q: What are the chances of the BJP in Kerala in the next Lok Sabha elections?
A: There is a pro-BJP wave throughout Kerala and we are confident of winning seats this time. People know that there is no alternative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and voting for BJP in Kerala is essential for the state’s development. Our campaigns like “Thank You Modi” and “Sneha Yatra” are getting good responses on the ground. Thousands of people are joining the BJP every month. The 2024 Lok Sabha election will see a new change in the politics of Kerala.
Q: Writer Arundhati Roy has said that Kerala will burn if BJP gets a chance. Your comments.
A: Arundhati Roy is just fear mongering. There have been no incidents of communal riots in India after 2014 other than the clashes which happened in non-BJP ruled states. This points towards the fact that BJP protects people of all faiths. There have been many unfortunate incidents in Kerala in the past few months, did you see any of the members of the “Tukde Tukde brigade” speaking against those? A migrant brother from Bihar was brutally murdered in Malappuram, drugs worth Rs 25,000 crore was seized, massive scams, none of them uttered a single word. We know who their masters are. Therefore, I believe that people like Arundhati Roy don’t deserve a reply.
Q: What is your opinion on the film “The Kerala Story”?
A: “The Kerala Story” is a thought-provoking film that tackles a significant issue which requires attention. It focuses on the phenomenon of “Love Jihad”, highlighting the experiences of women from Hindu and Christian backgrounds who are allegedly lured and converted by Islamic fundamentalists. This film sheds light on a reality that has garnered attention not only in Kerala, but also in other parts of the world.
The portrayal of “Love Jihad” and its potential consequences, such as the involvement of converted individuals in extremist activities, serves as a cautionary tale. It draws parallels with similar global issues, as seen in the Swedish web series “Caliphate”, which explores the recruitment of European women into ISIS.
Despite facing challenges and attempts at sabotage, “The Kerala Story” has gained significant attention, with a substantial audience both within Kerala and nationally, grossing approximately Rs 200 crore. Its widespread viewership underscores the importance of engaging with the topic and raising awareness about this complex social issue. I think that “The Kerala Story” must be watched by all.
Q: Is the Karnataka poll results a wake-up call for the party in Kerala?
A: The BJP demonstrates a consistent practice of evaluating its electoral performance after each victory and defeat. This approach enables the party to learn from setbacks and implement necessary improvements. The recent election results in Karnataka will undoubtedly undergo a comprehensive evaluation, and valuable lessons will be derived from our defeat.
From 1998 to 2004, the party successfully governed India. Presently, with a remarkable 303 Members of Parliament, the BJP stands as a formidable force. Furthermore, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP, governs 15 states across the country.
When it comes to the state of Karnataka, the BJP is committed to taking adequate measures to rectify any mistakes made during the recent elections. The party will engage in introspection, analysing the factors that contributed to the defeat, and identify areas where improvements can be made. By doing so, the BJP will chart a path forward, ensuring that valuable lessons are learned from this experience.
The BJP’s resilience and determination have been evident in the past, and it will once again utilize this strength to navigate the challenges and forge a successful future in Karnataka. The party’s focus on self-improvement and learning from electoral outcomes underscores its commitment to democratic principles and the welfare of the people.
Q: Will it have any impact in Kerala?
A: No. It is important to acknowledge that each state has its own unique political dynamics and issues. Electoral results in one state do not necessarily have a direct impact on another state’s political landscape. The focus and concerns of the electorate can vary significantly from one region to another.
In the context of Kerala, the primary challenge lies in addressing the lack of governance of the Pinarayi government. People in Kerala know that they are being exploited by the current state administration. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPIM received fewer votes than even the None of the Above (NOTA) option in Karnataka.
The elections in Karnataka were predominantly fought on local issues that resonated with the electorate, while Kerala has its unique set of local concerns that drive the political discourse in that state. It is crucial to recognize and address these specific regional issues to effectively engage with the voters and earn their trust.
The BJP, as a political party, acknowledges the importance of understanding the diverse needs and aspirations of different states and tailoring its approach accordingly. By recognizing and addressing the distinct local issues in Kerala, the party can effectively present its vision and solutions to the electorate.
Ultimately, it is the ability to comprehend and respond to the specific concerns of the people in each state that will determine the electoral success and the potential for positive change in governance.