In a significant statement, former Union Minister and the BJP’s Kerala in-charge Prakash Javadekar has indicated that the ruling alliances in Kerala, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF), have failed to deliver development over the past seven decades. Speaking in Pune, Javadekar asserted that rising anti-incumbency and corruption allegations against these parties would pave the way for a change in Kerala, traditionally ruled by either of these two alliances.
Javadekar highlighted the increasing support for the BJP in Kerala, stating that the party’s vote share has significantly increased from around 2% during the Jan Sangh era to nearly 20% currently. He claimed that nearly 30% voters in about 40 to 45 assembly constituencies now support the BJP. The BJP’s recent victory in the municipal polls in Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital, has reportedly boosted the morale of party workers.
During the interview, Javadekar also accused the ruling alliance in Kerala of facing multiple corruption charges, including those linked to religious boards. The BJP had won a single seat in the 2017 assembly elections and currently has one elected MP, who was victorious in 2024 elections. Kerala is anticipated to go to polls in April, as the tenure of the present government ends in May.
Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions continue to escalate as Iran faces attacks from Israel and other Middle Eastern countries. Explosions have been reported in Dubai, Doha, Manama, and Kuwait, with airports being targeted. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has urged Iran to ‘return to its senses’ following these attacks on Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Kuwait.
