Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to speak at rallies in central and south Kerala today as part of the BJP's push for the Lok Sabha elections. He'll first address a gathering in Kunnamangalam, Alathur constituency, alongside NDA candidates TN Sarasu and Suresh Gopi. Following this, he'll head to Kattakkada in Thiruvananthapuram District to support V Muraleedharan and Rajeev Chandrashekar, both NDA candidates for Attingal and Thiruvananthapuram constituencies.
Kerala's all 20 Lok Sabha seats are up for grabs in the second phase of polling on April 16. Although the BJP's stronghold in Kerala is historically weak, its performance has shown some promise, particularly in the 2019 polls where it garnered around 13 percent of the total votes.
Despite this, the BJP has yet to secure a Lok Sabha seat in Kerala. In the 2021 Kerala assembly elections, it failed to win any seats despite contesting 115 out of 140. Nonetheless, PM Modi's frequent visits to the state underscore the party's determination to make inroads.
In contrast, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) clinched 19 out of 20 seats in Kerala during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is also set to tour Kerala, attending UDF rallies and engaging in constituency-specific programs.
Modi's Kerala visit precedes his trip to Tamil Nadu, where he'll address a public gathering in Tirunelveli later in the day. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi will take on senior CPI leader Annie Raja and Kerala BJP chief K Surendran in Wayanad during his tour.
During Modi's tenure as Prime Minister, his efforts to bolster BJP's presence in Kerala have intensified, evident from his frequent visits to the state. The upcoming rallies underscore BJP's strategy to mobilize support and challenge the dominance of traditional players like the UDF.
The inclusion of prominent figures like Suresh Gopi and Rajeev Chandrashekar in the BJP's electoral lineup reflects a calculated move to appeal to diverse voter segments. However, the road to success in Kerala remains steep for the BJP, given the state's entrenched political dynamics.
Rahul Gandhi's presence in Kerala adds another dimension to the electoral landscape. His contest in Wayanad against seasoned opponents signifies the high stakes involved for both the Congress and the BJP in the state.
As the campaign intensifies, all eyes are on Kerala, where a complex interplay of regional politics and national dynamics will shape the electoral outcome. The results will not only influence the state's political trajectory but also have broader implications for the national political landscape.
The BJP's persistent efforts to gain ground in Kerala reflect its ambition to break through historical barriers and expand its footprint in the southern state. Modi's personal involvement in the campaign, marked by his frequent visits, highlights the significance the party attaches to Kerala in its larger political strategy.
With the Lok Sabha elections looming, both the BJP and the Congress-led UDF are leaving no stone unturned to rally support and secure crucial seats. The electoral battleground is set, with each party deploying its key leaders and mobilizing resources to sway voters in its favor.
For the BJP, the challenge lies not only in winning seats but also in establishing a sustainable presence beyond elections. Despite facing setbacks in previous polls, the party remains undeterred in its quest to emerge as a formidable force in Kerala's political landscape.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi's decision to contest from Wayanad underscores the Congress's determination to defend its turf and counter the BJP's advances. The outcome of this electoral tussle will not only shape the political dynamics within Kerala but also reverberate on the national stage.
As the campaigning reaches its crescendo, the stage is set for a keenly contested battle, where every vote will count. The results will not only determine the composition of Kerala's parliamentary representation but also offer valuable insights into the evolving political preferences of its diverse electorate.
PM Modi reaction on Iran-Israel war, Call for Stable Government Amid Global Uncertainty
Kharge Criticizes BJP's Manifesto: Alleges Lack of Accomplishments
PM Narendra Modi Pays Tribute to Babasaheb Ambedkar on Birth Anniversary