The BJP is working on strengthening its position in Kerala as it hasn't met the central leadership's expectations. The Prime Minister's recent visit marked the beginning of the party's election activities, emphasizing the need for local leaders to step up with the approaching Lok Sabha elections. The central leadership has warned of serious consequences if the party fails to make electoral gains.
Despite overcoming obstacles in other states, the BJP struggles in Kerala, with only one victory in the Legislative Assembly. The party faces difficulties in winning minority votes, despite efforts to reach out to these communities. Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram may seem promising on paper, but the party's ground-level success remains a challenge.
In the last Lok Sabha elections, the BJP secured the largest vote share in Kerala (15.53%), providing some relief, but the central leadership expects more significant achievements.
Recognizing the importance of minority votes, the BJP is making efforts to engage with Christian churches. The Prime Minister's recent program in Thrissur, where minority groups are influential, underscores this strategy.
The central leadership is actively involved in decision-making for Kerala, focusing on uniting minority groups. Election surveys and campaigns, including the possibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi contesting in South India, are in progress to energize the party's base.
Despite the upcoming elections, the state BJP has not initiated discussions about candidates. The absence of clear guidelines from the central leadership, internal disagreements, and a lack of popular leaders in the second tier pose challenges for the party.
Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur remain crucial constituencies for the BJP. In the 2019 elections, the party faced setbacks despite high expectations for candidates like Suresh Gopi and Kummanam Rajasekharan. The Sabarimala issue influenced voting patterns, with secular voters aligning against the BJP.
Realizing the need to mobilize votes, including from minorities, the BJP plans to launch a padayatra led by State President K. Surendran, starting on January 27 in Kasaragod. The campaign will focus on the slogan 'Modi is the guarantee,' recognizing the significance of retaining party votes while expanding its appeal.
It is believed in political circles that BJP's move in Southern India may impact the Loksabha election results in Northern states. It may end up in a similar situation how Aaam Aadmi Party lost focus in Delhi due to campaigning in other states.