Christians in Kerala Shift Support Towards BJP Over LDF, UDF: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent interview with Asianet News, highlighted the growing trust of the Christian community in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), especially in the context of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls scheduled for April 26 across all 20 seats in Kerala. Modi pointed out that the Christian community, which plays a significant role in several Lok Sabha seats in Kerala, has been disillusioned with the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), and is now increasingly leaning towards the BJP.

The Prime Minister shared insights into the BJP's efforts to connect with the Christian community, not just in Kerala but also in other regions such as Goa and the northeastern states where Christians form a large part of the population. He emphasized that the BJP and its allies govern most states in the northeast, where several chief ministers and ministers belong to the Christian community. Modi also mentioned his personal engagement with community leaders and his participation in Christmas festivities, underscoring his government's commitment to addressing their concerns, including those related to Church properties and the welfare of fishermen.

Modi criticized both the UDF and LDF for what he termed as their failure to address the needs of the people, accusing them of engaging in deceptive practices. He drew attention to his administration's proactive stance on issues important to the Christian community, including contributions to health and education sectors. The Prime Minister's remarks come at a time when the BJP is intensifying its campaign in Kerala, aiming to secure a foothold in a state where it has historically struggled to make significant electoral gains.

In addition to discussing community-specific issues, Modi took aim at the financial mismanagement under Kerala's current governance. He highlighted alleged irregularities in cooperative banks run by Left groups, mentioning that nearly Rs 1 lakh crore from ordinary citizens had been compromised. The Enforcement Directorate's action of attaching Rs 90 crore was cited as a step towards rectifying these wrongs.

Reflecting on his tenure, Modi asserted that his government has brought hope, confidence, and a promise of delivery to the people of India since 2014. With an eye on the 2024 elections, he expressed confidence that the electorate would recognize his administration's achievements compared to previous governments and re-elect his party for another term. This statement underscores Modi's vision for India's future under his leadership, emphasizing continuity and commitment to addressing both national and community-specific issues.

The Prime Minister's outreach to the Christian community in Kerala signifies a strategic move by the BJP to diversify its support base and address the concerns of minority communities. As Kerala prepares for the Lok Sabha polls, Modi's message is clear: his government is determined to work for the welfare of all sections of society, aiming to build a stronger and more inclusive India.