Just a few months to the Assembly elections, former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State president K. Surendran says the party is entering the local body polls with sharply defined goals and a clear road map.
“Our objective is to reach 25% vote share in the State,” he says, underscoring that the BJP’s second mission is just as critical: “We want representation in every local body. Wherever we cannot form the administration, we must at least emerge as the main Opposition.”
He insists that the party is spotting possibilities across the State. “We see real chances not only in Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur but also in several other corporations,” he says, pointing out that the BJP was the runner-up in 23 divisions in Kozhikode last time despite winning only seven seats. This time, he asserts, the party is abandoning any idea of a one-size-fits-all formula.
“We are following a unique strategy. Each local body has its own agenda and strategy. We have specific manifestos for every unit,” he says. The party, he adds, views the local body polls as “a political temperature check ahead of the Assembly elections.”
From tribal regions to Christian-majority belts, the BJP is deploying a micro-targeted approach. “In Christian-majority areas, we have fielded Christian candidates. Among Christians, especially Roman Catholics, a clear pro-Modi, pro-BJP trend has been growing.” He cites Thrissur’s Lok Sabha outcome as evidence. “We have worked hard on such social engineering.”
The party, he asserts, is aiming high in the Thrissur Corporation. “Our goal is to capture Thrissur,” he says. “We believe we will get a clear majority. As we gain more votes, both fronts will lose. Becoming the largest party is our target.” Thiruvananthapuram too remains firmly on the radar. “Last time we just missed it. This time we will form the administration. In Palakkad, are confident of retaining the majority.”
He points to the party’s district-level organisational overhaul as another advantage. “Dividing districts into smaller sectors and posting leaders accordingly has worked very well for us,” Mr. Surendran says. “When areas get smaller, leaders can focus better.”
Mr. Surendran credits the BJP’s 2024 Lok Sabha breakthrough in Thrissur to both the candidate and the organisation. “Suresh Gopi’s win was because of his personal appeal and the organisation’s ability to use it effectively,” he says. “That victory will reflect in the local body elections too.” He adds that Mr. Gopi has already covered 46 divisions and begun another round of cluster-level tours.
On the controversy surrounding the kalungu samvadam, Mr. Surendran dismisses it outright. “The allegations were the result of the Opposition twisting a few words,” he says.
He says even in a grassroots level election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains the BJP’s strongest asset. “Mr. Modi’s influence works strongly even in a local body poll,” he says. “Every booth has pro-Modi votes. Using Mr. Modi’s picture in our campaign is part of our strategy.”
He argues that failures in implementing central schemes have created resentment against the State government. “Many popular central projects failed in Kerala because the State government did not execute them properly,” he says. “Beneficiaries of Central schemes favour the BJP and those affected by failures are angry with the State government. Both trends will help us.”
Mr. Surendran speaks highly of the partnership with the Bharath Dharma Jana Sena. “The BDJS has helped us grow among Dalit and backward communities,” he says. “It is not about the number of seats — it has opened doors for us in marginalised communities. This will reflect in the elections.”
About Sabarimala, Mr. Surendran says the public mood is unmistakable. “There is deep concern among devotees,” he says. “This has created a stronger anti-government wave than during the women’s entry controversy. The public response to our signature campaign proves it.”
He also rejects speculation about friction within the party. “The talk about differences between me and Rajeev Chandrasekhar is a media creation,” he says. “When leadership changes, such narratives appear.”
For the BJP, this election is part of larger mission. “We are preparing not just for this election but for the Assembly battle ahead, ” says Mr. Surendran.
Published – November 29, 2025 08:26 pm IST
