What Targets Did Amit Shah Set for Kerala BJP?
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Synopsis
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set ambitious goals for the Kerala BJP ahead of the local body elections. This article delves into the targets set, the political landscape, and the implications for the party's future in Kerala. Will the BJP rise to the occasion, or will internal conflicts hinder its progress?
Key Takeaways
- Amit Shah has set targets for the Kerala BJP to win two corporations and ten municipalities.
- The new state committee is led by Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
- Kerala comprises 23,612 wards across various local self-governance entities.
- The 2020 elections showed the LDF's dominance in the region.
- Internal party dissatisfaction may pose challenges to achieving set targets.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 12 (NationPress) The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, outlined ambitious objectives for the Kerala BJP during a gathering with recently elected officials on Saturday. He emphasized that the party must secure victories in the forthcoming local body elections scheduled in a few months.
Shah directed the newly formed state committee, under the leadership of former Union Minister of State Rajeev Chandrasekhar, to aim for triumphs in two corporations and ten municipalities.
The state of Kerala is home to 23,612 wards that encompass various local self-governance bodies, including Grama Panchayats, Block Panchayats, District Panchayats, Municipalities, and Corporations.
In the 2020 elections, the LDF obtained 514 of the 941 Grama Panchayats, while the UDF secured 321, the NDA gained 19, and others claimed 23. Out of 152 Block Panchayats, the LDF achieved 108 wins and the UDF 38.
In the 14 District Panchayats, the LDF captured 11 and the UDF 3. Of 87 Municipalities, the LDF won 43, the UDF 41, and the NDA 2.
Within the six Corporations, the LDF currently holds 5, leaving 1 for the UDF.
Shah is particularly focused on ensuring victories in the Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur corporations, delegating the responsibility to Chandrasekhar and Suresh Gopi, the sole Lok Sabha member from Thrissur and Union Minister of State for Tourism.
A political analyst, choosing to remain anonymous, remarked to IANS that Shah's expectations might be somewhat unrealistic, yet it’s important not to place the blame solely on him.
“Every party aspires to govern, and during the well-attended meeting on Saturday, Shah expressed confidence that the BJP will take charge of Kerala after the 2026 Assembly elections. In the 2021 elections, the narrative from the then state president K. Surendran suggested the BJP would win 35 seats in the 140-member Kerala Assembly and form the government. However, the party did not manage to retain the single seat it won in 2021,” explained the analyst.
In the meantime, the first signs of dissatisfaction after the state committee's reorganization have emerged, with two leaders voicing their disappointment upon finding themselves excluded from the decision-making body.
Historically, the party has been fragmented between factions led by former Union Minister of State V. Muraleedharan and others led by P.K. Krishnadas, and for the first time, it seems the former is being sidelined.
Thus, it remains uncertain whether Shah’s aspirations will materialize amidst a growing number of discontented leaders.
Point of View
Amit Shah's targets for the Kerala BJP reflect a broader ambition for the party's growth in a traditionally challenging region. While the aspirations may seem lofty, they underscore the BJP's determination to establish a stronger foothold. However, internal divisions and past electoral performances may complicate these aims, demanding a careful and strategic approach moving forward.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the targets set by Amit Shah for Kerala BJP?
Amit Shah has instructed the Kerala BJP to secure victories in two corporations and ten municipalities during the upcoming local body elections.
Who leads the new Kerala BJP state committee?
The new state committee is led by former Union Minister of State Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
How many wards are there in Kerala's local self-governance?
Kerala has a total of 23,612 wards across various local self-government institutions.
What were the results of the 2020 local body elections in Kerala?
In the 2020 elections, the LDF won 514 of the 941 Grama Panchayats, while the UDF secured 321, the NDA gained 19, and others claimed 23.
What is the significance of the upcoming local body elections for the Kerala BJP?
The elections are crucial for the Kerala BJP as they aim to establish a stronger presence in local governance and set the stage for future electoral contests.
