A timely pre-poll alliance has energized the BJP in Kerala, with Twenty20 Kizhakkambalam confirming its entry into the NDA umbrella. Kochi hosted the breakthrough talks between BJP Kerala head Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Sabu M. Jacob, leader of the Ernakulam-based group.
First-time alliance for Twenty20 since its formation, this step positions it firmly with the national coalition. Spotlight intensifies as PM Modi heads to Thiruvananthapuram Friday, likely sharing dais with Jacob to spotlight the fresh bond.
The merger follows prolonged diplomacy, from Jacob’s Amit Shah interface to Chandrasekhar’s targeted outreach, peaking in Thursday’s conclave. BJP frames it as essential to its electoral blueprint, targeting Ernakulam where it has nurtured bases sans proportional wins.
Jacob lauded NDA’s pro-development stance as ideologically congruent. Amid LDF and UDF’s stranglehold, BJP aims to diversify via Twenty20’s community welfare fame, eyeing Christian demographics.
Electorally, Twenty20 shines variably: swept Aikarapadanna locals outright, faltered in bastion Kizhakkambalam (14 seats only), lost Kunnathunad and Mazhuvannoor holds, but stood resilient in Thiruvaniyoor against LDF-UDF’s consensus candidate ploy.
This fusion heralds recalibrated power plays, fostering statewide buzz and positioning NDA for potential inroads in the assembly race.