THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a bid to take the steam out of the CPM’s claims over renaissance’s legacy ahead of the two crucial elections in the state, the BJP-led Union government is planning an ambitious project, estimated to be over Rs 100 crore, to build memorials for those who led the reformist movement in Kerala.
The initiative, which is currently under active consideration of the Prime Minister’s Office, aims to commemorate the legacy of Thaikkad Ayya Guru Swamikal, Mahatma Ayyankali, Ayya Vaikunda Swamikal, K P Karuppan, Kandan Kumaran, and Shubhananda Gurudevan. The proposal is to build the memorials in Thiruvananthpuram.
According to sources, the proposal envisages developing a network of community halls, study centres, welfare activity hubs, and vocational training institutes in the social, cultural, and educational sectors. These facilities are intended not only as memorials but also as living spaces promoting social empowerment and inclusive development.
The project will be implemented either under the PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Augmentation Drive) scheme of the Union Ministry of Tourism or under the Swadesh Darshan scheme of the Ministry of Culture. The Union cabinet is likely to decide on the matter next week.
‘Union govt likely to unveil project soon’
The project will also extend financial support to preserve key heritage sites — including the birthplaces, workplaces, and memorials of these reformers — and to conserve locations associated with major events in their lives.
“Steps will be taken to disseminate information about their life stories and ideals. This is going to be a centrally-funded initiative with long-term social impact,” said a senior BJP leader.
Political observers see the move as having wider significance in Kerala’s evolving political landscape. By honouring social reformers who fought caste discrimination and championed equality, the BJP appears to be seeking greater acceptance among marginalised and backward communities - segments that have historically supported other political fronts. Party insiders confirmed that the BJP’s state unit has submitted detailed feedback on the proposal to the Union government.
Parallelly, several welfare and development schemes targeting Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are being fine-tuned to align with the broader objective of social inclusion. According to BJP sources, the Union government is likely to unveil the project soon, with leaders viewing it as a masterstroke that blends cultural recognition with political outreach ahead of the Assembly election in Kerala.
