NewKerala.com

Kerala Polls: BJP's Muraleedharan Wins Kazhakkoottam, Hails PM Modi's Policies

BJP leader V. Muraleedharan won the Kazhakkoottam Assembly seat by a narrow margin of 428 votes, defeating CPI's Kadakampally Surendran. He described the victory as an endorsement of Prime Minister Modi's "pro-people policies" and a significant shift in Kerala politics. Muraleedharan noted that unlike the 2016 Nemom win, this victory was not due to sympathy but policy support. The result is seen as a breakthrough for the BJP in a state traditionally dominated by the LDF and UDF.

Key Points: BJP Wins Kazhakkoottam: Muraleedharan's Victory for Modi's Policies

  • BJP's V. Muraleedharan wins Kazhakkoottam by 428 votes
  • Victory seen as mandate for PM Modi's pro-people policies
  • First BJP Assembly win since O. Rajagopal's Nemom victory in 2016
  • Shift in Kerala's political landscape, traditionally dominated by LDF and UDF
2 min read

Kerala poll results: V. Muraleedharan calls Kazhakkoottam win mandate for PM Modi's 'pro-people policies'

BJP's V. Muraleedharan wins Kazhakkoottam by 428 votes, defeating CPI's Kadakampally Surendran, calling it a mandate for PM Modi's pro-people policies.

"All these years, leaders of both the fronts (LDF and UDF) were saying that the BJP is not going to win even a single seat. Now we have registered an emphatic victory. - V. Muraleedharan"

Thiruvananthapuram, May 5

Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Union Minister, V. Muraleedharan, on Tuesday described his victory from the Kazhakkoottam Assembly constituency as an endorsement of "pro-people policies" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after defeating the CPI leader and Minister Kadakampally Surendran by a narrow margin of 428 votes.

Speaking to IANS, Muraleedharan said that his win marked a significant shift in Kerala's political landscape, where the BJP-led NDA had long struggled to open its account.

"All these years, leaders of both the fronts (LDF and UDF) were saying that the BJP is not going to win even a single seat. Now we have registered an emphatic victory," he added.

Recalling the BJP's first-ever Assembly win in the state, Muraleedharan referred to veteran leader O. Rajagopal's victory from Nemom in 2016, which critics had attributed to a "sympathy factor".

"Last time when we (BJP) got the first seat in Nemom through Rajagopal, many said it was because he had been contesting for years and people wanted to send him to the state Assembly once. But this time, the victory is clearly for the policies being implemented under Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the former Union Minister added.

Muraleedharan, a former Union Minister, emphasised that the Prime Minister's campaign presence played a crucial role in energising party workers and boosting public confidence in the BJP.

"The Prime Minister's presence is always a motivating factor. It raises the morale of party workers and enhances the confidence of the people in the BJP. When he addresses campaign rallies, people feel assured that if the BJP comes to power, it will perform -- that is the track record of PM Narendra Modi," he said.

The closely contested Kazhakkoottam seat witnessed an intense electoral battle, with Muraleedharan edging past Surendran in a tight finish, underlining the BJP's growing footprint in a state traditionally dominated by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF).

Political observers view the result as a significant moment for the NDA in Kerala, suggesting a possible shift in voter sentiment, especially in urban Assembly constituencies like Kazhakkoottam.

With this victory, Muraleedharan has not only secured a personal political milestone but also delivered a symbolic breakthrough for the BJP in Kerala, reinforcing the party's claim of expanding its base in South India.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

V
Varun X
A win is a win, no matter how narrow. But let's not overhype it — 428 votes in a constituency like Kazhakkoottam, which has a significant non-Malayali and urban population, doesn't automatically mean Kerala is turning saffron. Let's see if they can hold it in the next election.
S
Sneha F
Respectful observation: While Muraleedharan is crediting Modi's policies, let's not forget the ground work done by local BJP workers and the anti-incumbency against Surendran. Kerala's politics isn't just about one person. But yes, it's a historic moment for the NDA. 👏
A
Arjun K
'Pro-people policies' — I wish they'd talk more about local issues like the drinking water crisis in Thiruvananthapuram and the rising unemployment among our youth. But yes, a win is a win. Let's see if this translates into real development for Kazhakkoottam. 🤔
P
Priya S
It's heartening to see democracy at work! Even in Kerala, where left ideology has deep roots, people are open to change. PM Modi's track record of governance and development is undeniable. This victory proves that the lotus is blooming in God's Own Country. 🌸

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50