Thiruvananthapuram, April 8: On Tuesday, Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar made a sharp comment on social media, blending cultural references with political messages. He stated, “In Kerala, the election campaign concludes with the Kotiklasham event on the last evening. Today is that day.”
Chandrasekhar added a pointed ideological jab, saying, “There are many differences between the BJP and CPI(M) in Kerala. However, there is one more difference: our flag honors the great Indian Chhatrapati Shivaji, while Marxists have to adopt a foreign figure (Che) as their ideal.”
This post came just as the election campaign came to a close, reflecting the BJP’s effort to enhance its electoral relevance in a state long dominated by two rival fronts. It also aims to clarify ideological contradictions more explicitly.
On one side, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Front are facing off in a crucial contest, both claiming that the winds of victory are in their favor. Meanwhile, the BJP is not only trying to reopen its account in the 140-member Kerala Assembly but also aims to establish itself as a credible ‘third force’ that can challenge the state’s decades-old ‘bipolar politics.’
Nemo, once the sole bastion of the BJP in Kerala, has now transformed into a symbolic battleground. The party achieved its first major breakthrough in 2016 when veteran leader O. Rajagopal made history with a landmark victory.
However, in 2021, the narrative shifted dramatically when CPI(M)’s V. Shivan Kutty reclaimed the seat in a fiercely contested triangular battle. Now, Shivan Kutty is contesting from this seat for the second time, setting the stage for yet another intense competition.
Chandrasekhar’s announcement of his candidacy well before the formal election campaign was seen as a strategic move, signaling the BJP’s intentions and readiness. The main objective of their campaign has consistently been to present Nemo as a ‘launch pad’ for the widespread expansion of the ‘Saffron Wave’ across the state. The BJP’s electoral journey in Kerala presents a mixed picture.
While the party secured second place in nine assembly seats during the 2021 elections, its vote share has fluctuated. It increased in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections but saw a slight decline in the 2025 local body elections.
Given these circumstances, the significance of the Nemo seat has grown even more. The BJP hopes to convert its small electoral gains into a decisive and substantial success.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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