BJP President Nitin Nabeen inaugurated the party’s election campaign in Thrissur on February 7 by painting a lotus symbol on a wall as part of the launch programme. Senior state leaders were present on the occasion. Those present included Kerala BJP State President Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, BJP National General Secretary and Kerala in-charge Shri Vinod Tawde, Election In-charge Shri Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister of State Shri Suresh Gopi, Shri V. Muraleedharan, and other office bearers. The event also saw participation from several veteran leaders, including those who are currently less active due to age and health-related issues.
Interaction with Prominent Citizens Draws Large Turnout
As part of the same programme, the BJP president held an interaction with prominent citizens in Thrissur. During the session, he spoke about the programmes of the Modi government and outlined future policy targets. He also responded to questions raised by participants.
The interaction was attended by leading professionals from the district, including doctors, entrepreneurs, engineers, and professors. While the expected attendance was around 200, the turnout rose to nearly 300 participants. Due to time constraints, organisers limited the number of questions taken up during the session.
Guidelines Session Held with Selected Shakhtikendra Booth Representatives
The programme also included a Shakhtikendra-level organisational interaction involving representatives from about 50 selected booths where the party is considered either decisive or the strongest force. Office bearers from these booths met the party president in a structured guidelines session focused on preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections.
During the interaction, Nitin Nabin shared organisational and election-oriented guidance. Participants described the session as focused and motivational, aimed at strengthening booth-level readiness.
Visit to Sringeri Shankara Math and Temple at Kalady
Earlier in the day, Nabin visited the Sringeri Shankara Math at Kalady, recognised as the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya. The Mutt is administered by the Sringeri institution in Karnataka, one of the four traditional mutts established by Adi Shankaracharya. He also visited the Adi Sankara temple and offered prayers as part of the Mutt Darshan programme.
Intellectual Meet Addressed in Vellanikkara
Nabin later addressed an Intellectual Meet at Vellanikkara in Kerala on Saturday. After the temple visit, he launched the party’s election outreach campaign. He also chaired a strategy meeting at the City District BJP Karyalaya with state presidents and senior leaders.
BJP National President @NitinNabin addressed the Intellectual Meet in Thrissur, Kerala. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/nNdF6bM0fW
— BJP (@BJP4India) February 7, 2026
Remarks on Central Allocations and Development Schemes
In his address, Nabin spoke about Kerala’s role in national development initiatives, including the proposed Rare Earth Corridor. He said the initiative is expected to create wider economic benefits and that Kerala would have a defined role in it.
He stated that crops such as coconut, cashew, cocoa, and sandalwood have been placed in the high-value category, which he said would benefit farmers. He also cited figures on central financial support, saying Kerala is projected to receive about ₹8,973 crore in additional funds in FY 2025–26 through tax devolution, a reported increase over the previous year. He added that central loans and grants-in-aid have also risen.
He further referred to railway expansion, including Vande Bharat services, and said railway budget allocations for Kerala have increased annually. He listed beneficiary-oriented schemes, including food support under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Ayushman cards, PM-Kisan beneficiaries, and Jan Aushadhi Kendras operating in the state.
Criticism of LDF and UDF Governance
Nitin Nabin stated that the country has also witnessed a period when the LDF and UDF governments were deeply involved in corruption. The Modi government at the Centre has completed 11–12 years, yet not a single corruption charge has been proven against it, whereas the track record of opposition governments has been marked by new scams emerging every year.
In Kerala as well, a series of scams such as the gold smuggling scam, LIFE Mission scam, camera procurement scam, and government bank-related scams have surfaced. Leaders in power and in opposition often engage in political theatrics, sometimes becoming partners in corruption and at other times pretending to oppose it. The burden of this has been borne by the poor people of Kerala, and their hard-earned money has been misused. He said BJP is fully committed to the development of Kerala, and when it speaks about a ‘Viksit Keralam’, it also resolves to work towards achieving that vision.
Tourism, Culture and Sabarimala Issues Raised
He highlighted Kerala’s tourism potential, particularly backwater and wellness tourism, and said a decline in tourist inflow has affected livelihoods linked to the sector. He attributed responsibility for tourism performance to state-level governance and called for renewed focus on infrastructure and promotion.
Nabin said the party would continue to raise issues related to the dignity and administration of Sabarimala and emphasised the need to preserve cultural heritage alongside economic development.
Employment, Youth and Service Sector Focus
Referring to Kerala’s skilled workforce, including nurses and technical professionals working abroad, he said the service sector could generate more employment if supported by policy. He noted that better utilisation of human resources and sectoral strengths could accelerate growth.
Addressing youth participation, he said employment and opportunity creation would be prioritised if the party gains power in the state. He described youth, women, and farmers as key focus groups in the party’s development roadmap.
Security and Business Environment Concerns Mentioned
In his address, Nitin Nabeen said that Kerala is currently passing through a difficult phase and stressed that security and social stability are directly linked to economic growth and public welfare. He stated that while many countries are taking a firm stand against extremist forces, there are voices within the state that, according to him, are expressing support for such elements. He cautioned that such trends could adversely affect businessmen and ordinary citizens.
He told the gathering that if the state is not perceived as safe and stable, it would directly impact trade, investment, and daily life. Addressing the professionals and intellectuals present at the event, he said political compromises should not come at the cost of the state’s or the country’s long-term interests, and emphasised the need for a secure and conducive environment for development.
2026 Assembly Elections Targeted
Concluding his address, Nabin said the party is preparing a long-term vision document for the state aligned with the national development goal for 2047. He expressed confidence that the BJP would expand its presence in Kerala and seek a governing mandate in the 2026 Assembly elections.
