Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 7 (NationPress) In a pivotal political maneuver preceding the local body elections in Kerala, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is preparing to initiate a statewide outreach initiative aimed at Muslim households.

The announcement, made by State BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar, reveals that the program will be spearheaded by the party's Vice-President Abdul Salam, with the goal of connecting with every Muslim family throughout Kerala.

Chandrasekhar emphasized that this campaign is not merely a ploy for votes but a sincere effort to foster connections with the minority community.

"This initiative transcends elections or votes. It is centered on fostering understanding and inclusivity. We will reach out to every Muslim household to share the BJP's vision of a 'Viksit Kerala'—a developed, forward-looking state," he stated.

This outreach represents a significant shift in the party's approach in Kerala, where Muslims form a crucial voting demographic and the BJP has historically faced challenges in gaining support.

According to party sources, the initiative will concentrate on dispelling myths about the BJP's attitude towards minorities and showcasing the Centre's welfare and development schemes that are advantageous to all communities.

This strategy comes at a time when BJP leadership is prioritizing inclusive politics and social cohesion within southern states.

Chandrasekhar accused the CPI-M and Congress of misguiding minority groups for their political benefit.

"For years, these parties have perpetuated fear and misinformation among minorities to distance them from the BJP. That chapter is concluding," he remarked.

The campaign is projected to involve door-to-door outreach, intimate group discussions, and conversations with local community leaders.

BJP insiders believe that even a slight enhancement in minority perception could significantly influence closely contested urban areas.

Currently, the BJP lacks representation in the 140-member Kerala Assembly; however, they made their presence felt in the Lok Sabha with actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi winning the Thrissur seat.

The State Election Commission is anticipated to announce the local body election schedule shortly, which will encompass nearly all of Kerala's 1,200 local self-government entities—including 941 gram panchayats, 152 block panchayats, 14 district panchayats, 87 municipalities, and six municipal corporations.

In the 2020 local body elections in Kerala, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) garnered 40.2 percent of the votes, followed closely by the UDF at 37.9 percent, while the BJP-led NDA received 15 percent.

During that election, the Left won 314 gram panchayats, 198 block panchayats, 11 district panchayats, 43 municipalities, and five corporations, while the UDF secured 321, 38, three, 41, and one, respectively.

The BJP managed to win 19 gram panchayats and three municipalities.

Through this newly launched outreach, the BJP aspires to redefine its image within Kerala's socio-political framework and present itself as a party that represents all communities.