Twenty20 Aligns with BJP-Led NDA in Major Kerala Political Shift
In a significant political development that could reshape Kerala's electoral landscape, the Twenty20 party, led by industrialist Sabu M Jacob, announced its decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance on Thursday. The announcement was made at a joint press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, where Jacob was accompanied by BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
Formal Announcement by Prime Minister Modi Expected
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to visit Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, is expected to formally announce this political alignment. The move comes as part of a broader realignment in Kerala politics, with former MLA A V Thamarakshan and his Janadhipathya Samrakshana Samithi faction also joining the NDA fold.
Sabu Jacob emphasized that this alliance was vital for Twenty20's survival and growth, citing coordinated opposition from both the Left Democratic Front and United Democratic Front during recent local body elections. "The Congress and CPM even fielded joint candidates against Twenty20 by shunning their election symbols," Jacob revealed, highlighting the political pressure his party faced.
Development-Oriented Politics as Driving Force
BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar praised Jacob's leadership, stating: "I admire Sabu ji not only as a successful entrepreneur and job creator, but also as a political leader who, through Twenty20, practised problem-solving politics focused on the everyday issues of ordinary Malayalees." Chandrasekhar emphasized that Twenty20 has consistently followed a development-oriented model since its formation.
Chandrasekhar further noted Jacob's previous industrial ventures in Telangana, expressing hope that the entrepreneur would now focus on Kerala's economic development. "We want him to return to Kerala and contribute to the economic development of the state. This is a crucial election. People will support the NDA and we will work together," he asserted.
Breaking the Political Duopoly
Jacob articulated a clear vision for challenging Kerala's established political order, stating that only an expanding NDA alliance could end what he called the "LDF-UDF duopoly" in the state. He criticized what he described as "Kerala's scandal-driven coalition politics" that has, in his view, marginalized the aspirations of educated youth.
"Many are fleeing the state to make a living," Jacob lamented, positioning his party's alliance with the NDA as a potential solution to this brain drain and governance challenges.
Electoral Performance and Future Prospects
Despite facing opposition from what Jacob described as a "rainbow coalition" of 25 parties including organizations like Jamaat e Islami and SDPI, Twenty20 managed to maintain its presence in recent elections. The party secured majorities in Kizhakkambalam and Aikaranad panchayats in Ernakulam district, though it lost power in Kunnathunad and Mazhuvanoor.
Jacob highlighted that his party increased its vote share from 9-12% and emerged as a decisive third force in districts like Kollam and Palakkad. "They wanted to wipe out Twenty20, but we survived," he declared, framing the NDA alliance as a strategic response to this political pressure.
This political realignment represents a significant shift in Kerala's political dynamics, potentially creating a more formidable challenge to the traditional LDF-UDF dominance in the upcoming elections.
