2 berths for Kerala signal BJP goals: A bid to woo both Hindus & Christians

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If winning the first-ever Lok Sabha seat from Kerala was one of BJP’s high points, the allocation of two ministerial berths for the state — for Thrissur’s MP and actor-politician Suresh Gopi and George Kurian, the party’s Roman Catholic face — signals BJP’s strategic goals.
With both a Hindu and a strong Christian face in the cabinet from Kerala, BJP aims to solidify its presence in the state before the next assembly polls.
Kurian, a close aide of Narendra Modi and loyal BJP soldier since 1980s, is a surprise entry in Modi 3.0 govt. BJP, seeking to capitalise on CPM’s alleged appeasement of Muslim voters, hopes to secure support from Christian church through Kurian, a former vice-chairman of National Minorities Commission.
BJP has already gained from its outreach programme to Christians in the state by securing a majority in 11 assembly constituencies in Lok Sabha election. To further expand its base, it needs support from both Christians and Hindus.
A new Sainik School allotted to Nair Service Society (NSS) recently is seen as a step to attract the community organisations. While NSS brass maintained a neutral stand in Lok Sabha polls, several of its taluk unions showed support for BJP, especially in Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Thrissur. BJP believes it can win five to eight seats in state assembly by winning over Christians.