Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe

Will the Sabarimala issue be the BJP’s trump card in Kerala?

Hindustan Times | By
Jan 24, 2019 08:26 AM IST

The BJP’s problem is that it does not have charismatic state leaders and will have to rely on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mount the challenge.

Will the Sabarimala issue be the BJP’s Ayodhya in Kerala, its beachhead in a once impregnable electoral landscape? The Supreme Court’s logic of constitutional rights prevailing over tradition is unassailable, but equally clear is the fact that the issue of the entry of women of all ages into the shrine has given the BJP and its political parent the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a strong issue to capitalise on and create a Hindu coalition.

The end is, of course, votes and seats, which have been rare to come by for the party in the state.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The RSS has a massive presence in Kerala (and for years) but this has hitherto not translated into votes so far due to the fact that the state’s main political formations have managed to capture the loyalties of different communities. The Nairs and Dalits have traditionally gone with the United Democratic Front (UDF) largely as have the Christians and Muslims. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has received most of the Ezhava votes and also some support from the Nairs and Dalits, it has not made any electoral gains.

The BJP’s gambit is to exploit religious sentiments among the state’s Hindus, who account for 55% of the population. Already, in recently held civic polls, the party has registered some gains. It also enjoys much more brand recognition than ever before. Finally, the BJP has attempted to leverage the Nair community’s support for the RSS and projected itself as a possible alternative to the main political formations in the state. It is worth remembering that the Sabarimala protests were largely led by the upper caste Nairs.

Still, much of the blame for things spinning out of control must go to the Pinarayi Vijayan government, which went headlong into a confrontation with protesters and failed to make adequate security arrangements for women to enter the shrine. The resultant violence was cleverly played by the RSS as being the work of a Godless party demeaning the Hindu faith.

The inability of the 5,000 RSS shakhas across the state to help the BJP get seats so far has also been due the unique religious demography of the state. The Hindus are spread right across but amid strong Muslim and Christian populations. A strong Communist cadre base has kept the RSS in check so far but now it is on the backfoot since Kerala’s Left also has a sizeable Hindu population.

The controversy is a God-send for the RSS, which has never had an emotive issue to work with in the state.While it may be premature to say that the BJP will gain seats, there is no doubt that this issue will improve its vote share. The BJP’s problem is that it does not have charismatic state leaders and will have to rely on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mount the challenge.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! -Login Now!
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
OPEN APP