In the realm of Kerala’s political landscape, the emergence of the saffron brigade has been a topic of significant discussion over the past year. From cinematic representations like ‘The Kerala Story’, which delves into alleged religious conversions, to orchestrated events like the ‘Sneha Yatra’, and Prime Minister Modi’s recurrent visits, including hosting leaders from the Christian community, the BJP’s outreach efforts have been noticeable.
In addition to political and social affiliations, the BJP’s recent focus has extended to the coastal regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, exemplified by initiatives like ‘Modi ki guarantee’ for the fishermen community. The party’s manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls, known as ‘Sankalp Yatra’, features an expanded version of the ‘Matsya Sampada Yojana’ alongside other schemes, reinforcing its commitment to these states.
While the BJP’s endeavors in Tamil Nadu reflect an alignment with the state’s culture and aspirations, its approach in Kerala differs. Historically, the BJP’s presence in Kerala has been subdued compared to its alliance with the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu. However, recent efforts have seen the BJP reaching out to various denominations within the Keralite Christian community, particularly the Syro-Malabar Christians, whom they perceive as more culturally aligned with Hindus.
THE ‘KERALA STORY’ CONTROVERSY: PROPAGANDA OR REALITY?
The recent resurgence of controversy surrounding the movie ‘The Kerala Story’ has reignited debates over issues like ‘love jihad’, religious conversions, and alleged trafficking under the guise of love. While the movie garnered commercial success, it also drew criticism for promoting propaganda. Despite opposition, its national airing on Doordarshan sparked fresh debates, with certain sections of the Christian community supporting its screening.
This controversy has prompted discussions on whether there’s a growing sentiment against the incumbent LDF or UDF alliances, or if there’s a genuine inclination towards aligning with the BJP. Community leaders, particularly from the Syro-Malabar Church, have voiced support for the movie, asserting its closeness to reality. However, politicians from various parties have accused the BJP of attempting to introduce communal polarization in Kerala, a state historically resistant to religion-based politics.
THE POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE: GIMMICK OR GAME CHANGER?
While the BJP claims to have gained ground in Kerala, leaders from the Congress and CPM dismiss these assertions as mere gimmicks. They maintain that Kerala’s political landscape remains bipolar, dominated by the Left and Congress parties. However, BJP leaders argue otherwise, citing their strong foothold and commitment to the state’s development, as evidenced by Prime Minister Modi’s frequent visits and mentions of fishermen-centric issues in the party’s manifesto.
Echoing these sentiments, a senior RSS functionary suggests that a segment of society has grown disillusioned with the Congress and the Left, signaling a potential shift in dynamics. The Syro-Malabar Church, while emphasizing collaboration for national progress, acknowledges the growing affiliation of individuals, including Christians, with the BJP.
As Kerala braces for political upheaval, the intersection of religion, culture, and politics continues to shape the narrative, leaving observers to ponder whether the BJP’s Kerala strategy heralds a genuine political shift or merely strategic maneuvering.