BJP's Diminished Role in Kerala Elections

In an interview, Shashi Tharoor describes BJP as a marginal player in Kerala politics, downplaying its influence as kingmaker. He emphasizes the primary contest between LDF and UDF, noting BJP's low vote share. With upcoming elections, the BJP remains unlikely to win significant seats despite gradual progress.

Shashi Tharoor, a senior Congress leader, has characterized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a minor force in Kerala's political landscape, asserting the party is unlikely to wield significant influence in the forthcoming state elections. The battle for the Kerala assembly is primarily between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF).

Speaking to PTI, Tharoor noted that while the BJP has made some progress in increasing its vote share over the years, it remains a 'zero-seat' entity within the state assembly. He acknowledged their gradual rise from a 6% to approximately 12-13% vote share, yet stressed the impracticality of them securing sufficient votes to win a seat.

The Congress party views the BJP as not posing a serious threat to governance within the state, though every vote remains critical in what is anticipated to be a tight race. With Kerala's elections set for April 9, the poll landscape remains firmly dominated by the historic contest between LDF and UDF.

(With inputs from agencies.)