Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 15 (PTI) “Will the lotus bloom or not,” is one of the most discussed political questions raised in Kerala during every election, and the upcoming Assembly polls are no different.
For the April 9 Assembly polls, the BJP is entering the fray in Kerala with renewed ambitions and confidence drawn from its impressive performance in the recent civic body polls and from the prospects of the NDA’s expansion. It is looking to upset the traditional UDF-LDF cycle of government in Kerala, banking on its local body polls performance, among others.
STRENGTHS: 1.Good show in recent civic polls: The party’s historic victory in the Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation in the recent civic polls has infused its cadre with fresh energy and strengthened the belief that Kerala is not an unconquerable political territory for the BJP.
2.Image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the broad acceptance he enjoys among various sections of people.
3.The party has taken an early lead with its poll campaign.
WEAKNESSES: 1. A long history of electoral setbacks and the difficulty of breaking the traditional bipolar polity in the state–dominated by the ruling CPI(M) and the opposition Congress.
2.The party will have to find ways to counter the widespread campaign by the CPI(M)-led ruling front against the Centre for not announcing a financial package for the 2024 Wayanad landslide survivors.
3.Critisism over BJP-led Union government allegedly cutting allocations to the state and for not granting any major projects to Kerala in recent Union budgets.
OPPORTUNITIES: 1.A gradual consolidation of support, especially among urban voters, sections of the youth, and certain community groups, could improve the party’s prospects.
2.The recent expansion of the NDA, with the entry of influential parties such as Twenty20, will help achieve this target.
3.Party leaders believe that governance and infrastructure development under the Modi government, along with the Centre’s welfare schemes, could resonate with voters if communicated effectively.
THREATS/CHALLENGES: 1.Building a broader social coalition in a state with complex community dynamics and a politically aware electorate.
2.While the saffron party has made inroads into certain segments, it still struggles to expand its influence among diverse groups that traditionally support the LDF and the UDF.
3.The reported distancing of minority groups, especially sections of the Christian community, following alleged attacks on nuns and priests in BJP-ruled states in north India, is also seen as a challenge for the party. PTI LGK SA
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