In an significant assertion of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) growing influence in southern India, BJP National President and Union Minister for Health, JP Nadda, announced that the party has become a formidable force in Dakshin Bharat. Speaking at the BJP Kerala State Leadership Conference, Nadda highlighted several milestones achieved by the party in the region.
Nadda noted that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is currently in power in Andhra Pradesh, and the BJP has doubled its seats in Telangana. In a historic first for Kerala, the state elected a BJP candidate to the Lok Sabha. “People have rejected the deliberate propaganda that BJP is an Uttar Bharat party,” Nadda stated. He emphasised the significance of the third consecutive victory of the Modi-led government, calling it a historic achievement.
Addressing a gathering of BJP workers and leaders, from panchayat area presidents to state office bearers, Nadda underscored the stability and consistency provided by the third Modi government. He pointed to the BJP’s legendary victory in Odisha and expressed confidence that the party will soon win in Tamil Nadu. “BJP is no more a Uttar Bharat party. The party has made a great leap forward in Kerala,” he asserted, adding that many more changes are expected in the future.
Highlighting the party’s recent performance, Nadda shared that the BJP secured 36 per cent of the votes in Thiruvananthapuram in the latest Lok Sabha elections and narrowly lost in Attingal by 16,000 votes. The BJP came first in the Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur municipal corporations and is now in the third position in six municipalities across the state. Additionally, the BJP gained 45 more seats than the Congress in the last three elections, with Congress failing to win any seats in 13 states.
Nadda did not shy away from criticising the Congress party, accusing it of corruption and dynastic politics. He highlighted Rahul Gandhi’s decision to contest from Wayanad as a sign of abandoning the party flag. “BJP workers do not shy off from death for the sake of hoisting the party flag,” Nadda proclaimed. He emphasised that while there are 1,500 political parties in India, BJP stands out as the only party driven by ideology and principles.
Recalling the BJP’s national conference held in Kozhikode, Nadda mentioned the party’s commitment to removing Kashmir’s special status, a promise fulfilled by the Modi Government in 2019. He also celebrated the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya as a reality under BJP’s governance.
Reflecting on the period before and after 2014, Nadda described the pre-2014 era as one marred by darkness and corruption, with a powerless Prime Minister. In contrast, he highlighted the transformative policies and direct benefit transfers under the Modi government, which have eradicated corruption in welfare distribution. He noted the rapid growth of India’s economy, stating that the country contributes 15 per cent to the world’s growth rate and is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy.
Nadda also pointed out significant developments in infrastructure, including national highway development in Kerala, advancements in the railway and aviation sectors, and increased defense exports.
In another event in Thiruvananthapuram, Nadda praised Janmabhumi Malayalam daily for its role in promoting the nationalist movement in Kerala. He emphasised the importance of media in a highly literate state and criticized mainstream media for partisanship. Nadda released the logo for Janmabhumi’s year-long golden jubilee celebrations, which will include exhibitions, seminars, debates, cultural programs, and musical nights. Olympian P.T. Usha, MP (RS), will preside over the celebration committee, with the festivities launching from Kozhikode, Janmabhumi’s birthplace.
The event was attended by BJP President K. Surendran, Janmabhumi Managing Director M. Radhakrishnan, and senior newspaper functionaries.
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