BJP Shifts Focus to Core Hindutva and OBC Communities in Kerala
Core Hindutva, OBCs now BJP's focus in Kerala; it sees long-term hope in 3 seats
Image: Hindustan Times
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to strengthen its position in Kerala by focusing on Hindutva and backward communities, following a modest victory in the recent assembly elections. With a new 13-point agenda, the party plans to consolidate support among Hindu backward classes while reducing outreach to minority groups, particularly Christians, ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
- 01The BJP won three out of 140 seats in the Kerala assembly, marking a modest comeback after losing all seats in the previous election.
- 02The party's new agenda emphasizes OBC reservation for Hindus and opposes religious reservations for Muslims.
- 03BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar highlighted the need for equal opportunities for all Malayalis and criticized perceived appeasement politics by rival parties.
- 04The BJP's post-poll assessment reported around 30 lakh votes, maintaining a vote share of 11.4%, which is below its target of 20%.
- 05The party plans to raise issues like the Sabarimala temple entry and audit temple properties to reinforce its Hindutva stance.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is recalibrating its strategy in Kerala, focusing on consolidating support among Hindu backward communities following its recent electoral performance. After winning three assembly seats in the 2026 elections, the party has adopted a 13-point political agenda aimed at strengthening its presence in the state ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. This agenda emphasizes Hindutva and the need for reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) within the Hindu community, while explicitly opposing any religious reservations for Muslims. BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has criticized the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) for what he describes as appeasement politics, asserting that the BJP will advocate for equal opportunities for all Malayalis. Despite a modest victory, the BJP's vote share remained largely unchanged at 11.4%, falling short of its target of 20% to position itself as a viable alternative in Kerala's political landscape. The party's agenda also includes raising issues related to the Sabarimala temple and ensuring the protection of temple assets, reflecting its commitment to core Hindutva principles.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The BJP's focus on backward communities may influence reservation policies and political dynamics in Kerala, potentially affecting social equity and representation.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you support the BJP's focus on Hindutva and OBC communities in Kerala?
Connecting to poll...
More about Bharatiya Janata Party
BJP MLA Calls for Cattle Birth Certificates, Trinamool Questions Feasibility
Ndtv • May 17, 2026
Parth Pawar's Meeting with Fadnavis Sparks Tensions in NCP
The Indian Express • May 17, 2026
West Bengal's Rice Industry Calls for Infrastructure and Policy Support from BJP Government
Business Standard • May 17, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.