BJP's Mission 2026: 30 per cent vote share target, emulate TVM win, UDF main opponent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With a plan to emulate the historic success in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, the BJP prepared 'Mission 2026' under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to achieve maximum gains in the assembly elections. Mission 2026 is based on the slogans of Developed Kerala, Safe Kerala, and Protection of Sabarimala Faith. The goal is to bring the vote share to 30%. It was prepared jointly by the NDA leadership and the BJP core committee meeting.

The plan will be fully launched with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kerala.

In the local body elections, although there was an increase in total votes, it is estimated that the expected surge in the votes of Christian religious minorities and the party's base votes could not be achieved. Considering this, Mission 2026 decided to give more emphasis to the fight against Muslim religious extremism being waged by Jamaat-e-Islami and SDPI. A strong focus will also be put on the Sabarimala gold loot case.

The report presented on the local body elections by State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar assessed that most of the objectives were achieved. The objectives of contesting in all seats, eliminating factions in the party, establishing NDA as a winning movement, taking control of the capital, and doubling the number of governing panchayats were achieved.

In addition to winning the governance of 30 panchayats from 14, NDA became the second party in 79 panchayats. It was also assessed that the anti-government sentiment was strong in the elections. The absence of Union Minister Suresh Gopi was noticeable in the meeting.

The 2026 mission of the BJP considers the UDF as its main opponent.

“Jamaat-e-Islami and its affiliated organisations control the UDF and the LDF. The Left and Right Fronts will be exposed for their similar stance on Sabarimala and Muslim extremism. Mission 2026 also aims to present the NDA as a haven for those who oppose Muslim extremism.”