BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar addresses the ‘deal’ allegations, outlines the party’s development agenda and explains why he believes Kerala’s long-standing two-front political order is nearing a collapse.What do you think triggered these electoral ‘deal’ allegations?The deal allegations reflect panic in Congress and CPM camps. They are beginning to realize that the long-standing duopoly that worked in their favour is under threat. Isolating BJP has always been an integral part of their lazy politics. When the election nears, they feel the urge to ascertain their individuality. With 45% of voters belonging to minority communities, their tactic is minority baiting. They vilify BJP and act like demonizing each other for allegedly being soft on us. People have seen through the fakery. The duo has no idea which way the wind is blowing.How would you respond to the allegation that BJP’s politics of development is a façade, especially in Kerala, where the party struggles to gain traction?It is certainly not a façade. If BJP stands for anything today, it is the development delivered under Narendra Modi’s govt over the past twelve years. We are proud of that record and welcome scrutiny of it. The progress India has made, even in terms of global standing, has no parallel in our history. Whatever perceptions existed about BJP in the past, today’s BJP under Modi is focused squarely on India’s progress. That is why he consistently talks about economic development, youth empowerment and women’s empowerment. This is no façade, and it doesn’t contradict with BJP’s political values. Development and cultural heritage are not opposing ideas for the party; they go hand in hand. BJP has been reaching out to the Christian community. Why should that community have faith in the party? We don’t reach out to any community purely for electoral gain. Our outreach is to every Malayali, regardless of caste or community. Different communities face different challenges, and we engage with each accordingly. Recently, four former MLAs from the scheduled caste community joined BJP. They said other parties had never delivered justice to their community, and BJP-NDA is the only front that genuinely cares about their development. Our engagement with Christian and Muslim communities follows the same principle, it is not transactional. What do you see as the most significant outcome of this election? One thing is certain; Kerala’s political dynamics will fundamentally change. The practice of fooling people will lose currency. Secondly, this will be the last election fought between three distinct fronts. The UDF vs LDF vs NDA formation will collapse as UDF and LDF will merge into one. Our surveys suggest that both UDF and LDF are likely to win only 50 to 52 seats each.BJP’s vote share has been fluctuating; it fell to 12.47% in 2021 from nearly 15% in 2016. What is your target this time?I am not focused on vote share, and I won’t give you a seat number either. Our manifesto and our message for change have the potential to resonate across the state— barring a few pockets in Malappuram. So why would I set my sights at anything below 120 seats? It is widely accepted that 60% of Malayalis are fed up with LDF and UDF. With 12 years of an impressive track record at the Centre, there is every reason for BJP to appeal to the vast majority of voters who want development and progress in Kerala. Why has the BJP’s response to the Sabarimala gold heist seemed disproportionate given the gravity of the crime?The question is what the party’s appropriate response should be. You need not take to the streets and clash with police. People in Kerala know what happened at Sabarimala. They also remember how BJP stood with devotees in 2018. Those who know the truth do not need anyone to channel their anger for them. The BJP does not need to keep shouting its position day and night. Voters will remember everything when they step into the booth. If LDF and UDF leaders are corrupt, why hasn’t the Central govt acted against them? I would like every crook to be thrown behind bars. I’m the one who exposed the 2G scam. Am I happy to watch A Raja standing for election, continue to pontificate in parliament about secularism and attacking BJP? No. Am I happy to see CM Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter not being prosecuted under the prevention of corruption act? No. Am I happy to see Rahul Gandhi out on bail in the National Herald case? No. But what do I do? The courts have to decide the process. Cases have been filed. You cannot conflate the court system with the govt. We cannot and we will not influence the process of law.
