BDJS, BJP's Restive Ally in Kerala, Considers New Political Pathways
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Synopsis
In the wake of BDJS passing a resolution to explore fresh political alliances, a crucial state committee meeting is set for February 1. With dissatisfaction over its current ties with BJP, BDJS may eye partnerships with either CPI(M) or Congress as the political landscape evolves in Kerala.
Key Takeaways
- BDJS expresses dissatisfaction with BJP alliance.
- Potential alignment with CPI(M) or Congress.
- Tushar Vellapally leads BDJS.
- Upcoming local body elections as a testing ground.
- BJP faces pressure for ministerial appointments.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 27 (NationPress) Following a resolution passed by the Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), the second-largest partner in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Kerala, to seek new political alliances, the party's leadership has convened an important state committee meeting on February 1 to discuss the matter.
Formed in December 2015 with support from Vellapally Natesan, the general secretary of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam—an influential social organization representing Kerala’s Hindu Ezhava community—the BDJS is currently led by Natesan's son, Tushar Vellapally.
During the Kottayam meeting, presided over by Tushar, the party expressed dissatisfaction with its alliance with the BJP, pointing to a lack of significant achievements. The resolution indicated that for the BDJS to maintain its relevance in Kerala politics, it might have to consider new associations with either the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) or the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
Kerala’s population, exceeding 3.3 crore, is predominantly Hindu, with the Ezhava and Nair communities being the largest groups. Traditionally, Ezhavas have backed the CPI(M), but the 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw a pivotal change, with many Ezhavas in central Kerala voting against the Left, favoring both the NDA and the UDF.
Tushar ran for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Kottayam as the NDA candidate but finished in a distant third place, while the Congress candidate achieved a decisive victory.
The Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government, in office since 2016, is facing increasing allegations and a wave of anti-incumbency sentiment. Sources indicate that the CPI(M) has reached out to Natesan, showing interest in bringing BDJS into their coalition. The forthcoming local body elections could serve as a testing ground for such a partnership.
On the other hand, the Congress-led UDF, keen to break its long-standing opposition status, is also reportedly willing to accept BDJS as a full-fledged ally to bolster its prospects in the 2026 assembly elections.
With BDJS expressing its dissatisfaction, attention turns to the BJP’s national leadership. There has been ongoing speculation about Tushar being considered for a Union ministerial position to strengthen BDJS’ connection with the NDA. Yet, as time passes without such an appointment, the BJP is under increasing pressure to respond, especially with local body elections approaching.
The upcoming state committee meeting of the BDJS is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the party's future political direction.
