Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Kerala state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, makes a bold prediction. He says the upcoming assembly elections will dramatically alter the political landscape of Kerala. Chandrasekhar argues that voters in the state are actively seeking change. He believes the BJP's focus on developmental politics will resonate strongly with them.
Voters Ready to Punish Fiscal Mismanagement
Chandrasekhar points a finger at the ruling parties. He states that fiscal indiscipline and arrogance from the CPM will face voter backlash. He also criticizes the Congress for running a visionless and divided campaign. The former Minister of State for Electronics and IT feels Kerala wasted a massive opportunity.
"The state had a clear head start in IT and electronics during the 1980s," he notes. "Yet, it squandered that advantage completely." In an exclusive interview, he elaborates on how the National Democratic Alliance aims to play a key role in forming the next government.
Breaking the Communist Wall
For decades, the BJP remained a marginal force in Kerala. The United Democratic Front, led by Congress, and the Left Democratic Front, led by the CPM, dominated state politics. The CPM, under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has held power for two consecutive terms. Chandrasekhar sees a potential crack in this long-standing structure.
"Kerala is stuck in a rut," he declares without hesitation. He claims the CPM government has failed to meet public aspirations. Malayalis, he argues, are tired of a political culture mired in unnecessary controversies and personal attacks.
He senses a voter desire for a shift toward politics focused on development. "Progress was sidelined by successive CPM and Congress governments over the last twenty years," Chandrasekhar states. The BJP promises a program of inclusive development to create local jobs, offering a fresh alternative.
Expectations for the 2026 Elections
Chandrasekhar expresses strong confidence about the coming polls. He cites a growing anti-CPM sentiment due to its perceived failures. The Congress, in his view, has not proven to be a viable alternative either.
"I am extremely confident the political landscape of Kerala will change with this election," he asserts. "That is my firm conviction. The NDA will play a significant role in forming the next government."
Analyzing Kerala's Financial Decline
Despite high human development indicators, Kerala faces severe financial strain. Recent reports show off-budget borrowings rising significantly. Chandrasekhar links this to a massive exodus of talented youth, depleting the state's talent pool. Dependence on foreign remittances remains high.
He acknowledges Kerala's early advantages from effective policies in land, education, and healthcare. "Some leaders back then did excellent work," he admits. However, he contends the state missed critical opportunities in the last two decades, leading to a crisis as youth leave.
"Talent goes where opportunities exist," he explains. Successive governments failed to create enough jobs, forcing a skilled workforce to migrate. He contrasts Kerala with Tamil Nadu, noting a vast disparity in industrial employment numbers.
The debt trap, he argues, hampers investment in vital sectors like healthcare and education. "Financial indiscipline by the LDF and UDF is the primary reason for this dead end," Chandrasekhar concludes.
The Lost Innovation Edge
As a technologist who worked on Intel processor design, Chandrasekhar laments Kerala's decline. He recalls attending an AI seminar in Singapore where three presenters were Malayalis working abroad.
"The state has brilliant technological minds, but no opportunities to use them here," he says. He sees untapped potential in IT, electronics, modern agriculture, and high-end tourism. "Kerala could be South India's food basket, yet we import food. It is tragic."
Addressing the Hindutva Image
Chandrasekhar addresses a common critique of the BJP in Kerala. He calls the party's 'Hindutva' image a narrative carefully crafted by the CPM and Congress. "It is an effective joint venture to create fear among minorities," he claims.
He urges people to judge the BJP by its conduct and track record. "It is other parties that play religious politics, not us," he insists. He points to alliances with groups like Jamaat-e-Islami, which he says opposes a secular nation.
"We will challenge such positions," he states, citing recent local body elections as validation for the BJP's stance on security and development. "We do not believe in appeasement of any community."
The BJP's Roadmap for Kerala
Chandrasekhar outlines the party's vision without overpromising. "We are not magicians who can fix everything overnight," he says. The BJP promises hard work and commitment to transform Kerala into a proud, surging economy if given the mandate.
The plan focuses on creating an investment-friendly environment. Policies would aim to attract Malayalis back to their home state. "Engineers working in Bengaluru, Gurugram, and Hyderabad should have the option to return," he emphasizes.
He draws parallels with states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, which overcame debt through fiscal discipline. "UP now has modern data centers and electronics manufacturing. Political clarity and purposeful vision drive development."
He criticizes the Congress government in Karnataka for excessive borrowing. "The CPM slices the economic cake too thin for public benefit. The Congress fattens it for their leaders' enjoyment. We offer a different path."
