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Kerala

BJP eyes mass contact and ‘tactical interventions’ to build vote base in Kerala

A BJP document outlines plans to reach women through bhajan groups, Kudumbashree, ASHA workers and anganwadi staff to expand its support base

Aswin Asok Kumar 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As part of efforts aimed at widening its vote base in the state, the BJP has instructed booth-level members to work amongst people from different walks of life.

According to an internal document circulated within BJP circles, the party is keen to tap into what it termed a cultural shift in the state by linking women from Narayaneeyam bhajan committees, self-help groups like Kudumbashree, Asha workers and anganwadi staffers to further its agenda.

Playing the long game to improve its electoral fortunes in the state in the 2029 Lok Sabha election, the BJP has asked members to carry out ‘tactical interventions’ to ensure that students from Class 10 to graduates side with the party in the future. Besides separate groups of women and youngsters, a ten-member NaMo army task force is to be set up in every booth to meet the objectives under ‘Mission 2029’.

Instructing members to be active in SC/ST belts, the document calls for organising least 20 people from SC, ST and OBC communities in each booth for party work. Special focus is to be accorded to voters who are disabled and senior citizens over the age of 80.

“Election dynamics have changed in the state, and we have put in place a plan that will work to our advantage in the future. We will explore every potential opening,” a senior party leader told TNIE.

Stressing the need to include members of various community and religious bodies, the party also called on activists to develop strong bonds with Hindu and Christian voters.

Emphasising the importance of members being active on social-media forums and effectively employing AI tools, it warned against circulating personal and unpopular messages on WhatsApp groups. Senior party functionaries are to be consulted before reacting to sensitive issues. Issuing directions on creating reels — by better understanding aspect ratios, time frame, duration and content structure — the party advised members to make use of such tools at the grassroots level.

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