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Modi to Campaign in Kerala for Karunakaran's Daughter in Thrissur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Thrissur, Kerala, on March 29 to campaign for BJP candidate Padmaja Venugopal. Padmaja is the daughter of former Congress Chief Minister K. Karunakaran and recently joined the BJP after previously contesting for Congress. The visit, featuring a major roadshow, aims to energize the NDA's campaign in a key constituency ahead of the April 9 Assembly elections. This intervention is part of the BJP's broader strategy to gain ground in a state traditionally dominated by the LDF and UDF fronts.

Key Points: PM Modi to Campaign for BJP's Padmaja Venugopal in Kerala

  • Modi's roadshow on March 29
  • Campaign for Padmaja Venugopal
  • BJP's push in Kerala
  • High-stakes triangular fight
  • Strategy to expand footprint
2 min read

Kerala polls: PM Modi likely to start campaign from Thrissur for Karunakaran's daughter

PM Narendra Modi will campaign in Thrissur for BJP candidate Padmaja Venugopal, daughter of ex-CM K. Karunakaran, ahead of Kerala polls.

"The Prime Minister's presence is expected to further amplify the campaign - Party Sources"

Kochi, March 23

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to arrive in Thrissur, Kerala, on March 29, providing a major push to the BJP-led NDA's campaign in the run-up to the April 9 Assembly elections from Thrissur.

According to initial indications, PM Modi will participate in the election campaign of BJP candidate Padmaja Venugopal, including a roadshow expected to draw significant public attention.

Incidentally, Padmaja is the daughter of legendary four-time Congress Chief Minister K. Karunakaran.

Padmaja was the Congress candidate from Thrissur Assembly constituency in 2016 and 2021 and finished second.

Ahead of the May 2024 Lok Sabha polls, she joined the BJP and campaigned for the eventual winner, actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi.

Incidentally, at the 2021 Assembly polls, Gopi finished in third place behind Padmaja.

Party sources suggested that the Prime Minister is likely to reach Thrissur after a brief stop in Palakkad, though final details of the itinerary are yet to be officially confirmed.

His visit is aimed at energising the party's prospects in a constituency that has gained heightened political attention in recent electoral cycles.

The roadshow, which may see PM Modi and Padmaja sharing the stage, is being positioned as a key campaign event for the NDA in central Kerala.

Padmaja Venugopal's candidature has already added a layer of political intrigue to the contest, given her background and the evolving electoral dynamics in the constituency.

The Prime Minister's presence is expected to further amplify the campaign, particularly as the BJP seeks to expand its footprint in a state traditionally dominated by the CPI(M)-led LDF and the Congress-led UDF.

With just days left for polling, national-level campaign interventions have intensified across Kerala, reflecting the high stakes for all three fronts.

PM Modi's visit is seen as part of a broader strategy by the BJP to project strength and improve its electoral prospects, even as it faces stiff competition in a tightly contested triangular fight.

Further clarity on the Prime Minister's schedule, including timings and route details of the roadshow, is expected in the coming days.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Suresh O
As a Thrissur native, I find this whole episode quite sad. Padmaja ji is trading on her father's legacy, which was built within the Congress. Party-hopping for electoral gain doesn't sit right with me. 🤷‍♂️
A
Aryan P
The triangular fight in Kerala is getting more interesting! LDF and UDF should not take their traditional votes for granted. A strong BJP presence is good for democracy, keeps everyone on their toes. 👍
M
Meera T
Whether one supports BJP or not, PM Modi's ability to draw a crowd is undeniable. The roadshow will be a spectacle. Hope the local administration is prepared for the traffic and security arrangements.
R
Rohit L
Frankly, I'm tired of these high-profile parachute campaigns. We need to hear more about local issues in Thrissur - development, jobs, infrastructure. The focus should be on the candidate's vision, not just which big leader is coming to town.
K
Kavya N
The dynamics are fascinating! Padmaja came second twice for Congress, now Suresh Gopi (who came third behind her) is an MP and she's with BJP. Kerala politics is full of such twists! Excited to see the result.

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