THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The BJP, which is trying to get political gains in Kerala by bringing the Christian minorities as close as possible, used the resurrection day and the holy week strategically. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited a Christian church in Delhi yesterday and gave them Easter wishes. The top BJP leaders of the state, including Union Minister V Muraleedharan, visited Christian churches and Bishop's houses in Kerala and met religious leaders, which became a strong political move for the BJP ahead of the parliamentary elections.
Concern is evident in the Congress-CPM leaders and fronts even as the Bishop's house trips of BJP leaders are ridiculed as mere drama. In particular, they are taking the reactions of various Christian religious leaders in favor of the BJP and the Sangh Parivar very seriously. In light of past election experiences, CPM and Congress have estimated that even if BJP tries to penetrate into the Christian sector, it will not translate into votes. However, the responses and interventions of Christian religious leaders in recent days are causing confusion among them. Congress and CPM reminding everyone about the gang violence against Christians by Sangh Parivar in many parts of the country is an indication of that.
BJP is adamant about opening an account in Kerala during next year's Lok Sabha elections. The BJP sees the recent strengthening of anti-Islam sentiment among Christians, especially the Catholics, as a favorable situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had declared that the lotus will bloom in Kerala as well, after the recent election victory in North Eastern states including Tripura. This was not said just for the sake of the scene, argue the BJP centers. Indications that the BJP is not ostracized, from Kerala's Christian leaders from time to time, are also seen as positive.
BJP tried to appease Christians in the last assembly elections also but it was not successful and it ultimately backfired on the UDF. It was only with the entry of Kerala Congress-Mani's Left Front that the LDF was able to make gains in the Kottayam, Idukki, and Pathanamthitta districts. UDF is also worried about how it will reflect in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections if this situation repeats itself. Therefore, the move is to activate interventions to keep the Christian minority together. The CPM also fears that the BJP's inroads could have far-reaching consequences. The Tripura experience is a lesson for them.