Just months before the Assembly elections, former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president K. Surendran says the party is entering the local polls with sharply defined goals and a clear road map.
“Our aim is to achieve 25% vote share in the state,” he says, stressing that the BJP’s second mission is equally critical: “We want representation in every local body. Wherever we cannot form an administration, we must at least emerge as the main opposition.”
He insists the party is looking for opportunities across the state. “We see real chances not only in Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur but also in several other constituencies,” he says, pointing out that the BJP came second in 23 divisions in Kozhikode last time, despite winning only seven seats. This time, he claims, the party is abandoning any idea of a unified formula.
“We follow a unique strategy. Each local authority has its own agenda and strategy. We have specific manifestos for each unit,” he says. He adds that the party sees local opinion polls as a “political temperature check ahead of parliamentary elections”.
From tribal regions to Christian-majority belts, the BJP is using a micro-targeted approach. “We fielded Christian candidates in Christian-majority areas. There is a clear pro-Modi, pro-BJP trend growing among Christians, especially Roman Catholics.” He cites Thrissur’s Lok Sabha result as proof. “We’ve been working hard on this kind of social engineering.
The party, he claims, is aiming high in the Thrissur Corporation. “Our aim is to capture Thrissur,” he says. “We believe we will get a clear majority. As we get more votes, both fronts will lose. Our goal is to become the biggest party.” Thiruvananthapuram also remains firmly on the radar. “Last time we just missed it. This time we will form the administration. In Palakkad we are confident of retaining the majority.”
He points to the organizational restructuring of the party at the district level as another advantage. “Dividing the districts into smaller sectors and posting leaders accordingly has worked very well for us,” says Mr. Surendran. “When areas get smaller, leaders can focus better.”
Mr Surendran credits the BJP’s 2024 Lok Sabha breakthrough in Thrissur to both the candidate and the organisation. “Suresh Gopi won because of his personal appeal and the organization’s ability to use it effectively,” he says. “This victory will also be reflected in the local body elections.” He adds that Mr. Gopi has already covered 46 divisions and started another round of cluster level tour.
As for the kalungu samvadam controversy, Mr. Surendran flatly denies it. “The allegations were the result of the opposition twisting a few words,” he says.
He says that even in low-level elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains the BJP’s strongest asset. “Mr. Modi’s influence is strong even in local opinion polls,” he says. “Every booth has pro-Modi votes. Using Mr Modi’s picture in our campaign is part of our strategy.”
They claim that failures in the implementation of central schemes have created resentment against the state government. “Many popular central projects in Kerala failed because the state government did not execute them properly,” he says. “Beneficiaries of central schemes favor the BJP and those affected by the failure are angry with the state government. Both trends will help us.”
Mr. Surendran praises the partnership with Bharath Dharma Jana Sena. “BDJS has helped us grow among Dalits and backward communities,” he says. “It’s not about the number of seats – he’s opened doors for us in marginalized communities. That will show in the election.”
On Sabarimala, Mr. Surendran says the public sentiment is unmistakable. “There is deep concern among devotees,” he says. “This created a stronger anti-government wave than during the women’s entry controversy. The public response to our signature campaign proves that.”
He also rejects speculation about friction within the party. “The talk of differences between me and Rajeev Chandrasekhar is a creation of the media,” he says. “When leadership changes, stories like this come out.
For the BJP, this election is part of a bigger mission. “We are preparing not only for this election but also for the assembly battle ahead,” says Mr. Surendran.
Published – 29 Nov 2025 20:26 IST
