Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 10 (NationPress) As Kerala approaches local body elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its campaign with State party President Rajeev Chandrasekhar asserting that these elections present a chance to initiate a transformation in the state's political culture.

Chandrasekhar stated that the BJP is requesting voters for just one opportunity to demonstrate that governance can be transparent, accountable, and focused on the people.

"The BJP seeks a single chance to illustrate what an efficient and corruption-free administration entails. The citizens of Kerala are prepared for change," he remarked to reporters following the election schedule announcement.

He mentioned that the party would reveal its comprehensive candidate list within two days.

"Our message is straightforward -- grant us one opportunity to work diligently, 24/7, to address the issues people have endured for years," he expressed.

Chandrasekhar pointed to civic challenges such as garbage mismanagement, stray dog issues, and inadequate infrastructure in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation as signs of governance failure under the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF).

"This is not an ideological issue — it's about performance. For the past decade, these challenges have persisted. We aspire to build a Vikasitha Kerala -- prosperous cities, panchayats, and municipalities," he added, emphasizing that the BJP's governance model would center on accountability and community involvement.

Former State BJP President K. Surendran echoed this sentiment, accusing the Congress of covertly supporting the LDF in Thiruvananthapuram.

"K. Muraleedharan is openly attempting to assist the Left. The UDF's current enthusiasm is not aimed at winning but at preventing the BJP from succeeding," Surendran claimed in Kozhikode.

He alleged that the UDF has engaged in "secret agreements" with Jamaat-e-Islami and the SDPI, and similar arrangements exist between the two primary fronts statewide.

Surendran stated that the BJP and its allies have been systematically preparing for the last six months, forming election management committees in each ward.

"The NDA is set to retain Palakkad and Pandalam municipalities while capturing additional urban bodies this time. We approach the electorate with a clear development agenda and a pledge for a permanent resolution to Kerala's stagnation," he continued.

Highlighting the Centre's support for Kerala's local bodies over the past decade, he accused both the LDF and UDF of failing to effectively utilize funds.

"The public has not benefited due to their inefficiency and political motives," Surendran stated.

With development and integrity as its dual campaign themes, the BJP is positioning itself as a credible alternative to Kerala's entrenched political framework.

In the 2020 local body elections, the LDF garnered 40.2% of the votes, followed by the Congress-led UDF at 37.9%, and the BJP-led NDA at 15%.

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 acquired 19 gram panchayats and three municipalities.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a recent meeting with state BJP leaders, set a target of 25% vote share for the NDA in Kerala — a statement sharply criticized by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who warned the public against what he deemed a dangerous agenda.

If Home Minister Shah's predictions materialize, the BJP could significantly improve its standing in a triangular contest, especially as the bigger challenge lies ahead in April/May next year when the state holds Assembly elections and currently, the 140-member Kerala Assembly lacks a single BJP MLA.