Lok Sabha polls prep: NDA launches month-long ‘padayatra’ across Kerala

Kerala BJP president and state NDA chairman K Surendran, who will lead the yatra, said the objective is to educate the voters about “Modi’s guarantee”. On a daily basis, Union ministers and senior BJP leaders will address the yatra, while also holding a meeting with beneficiaries of various government schemes. The party will also set up help desks at all constituencies to assist people to enrol for different schemes.

Addressing the media in Kasaragod, Surendran said that “the people of Kerala have started reacting against the vote bank politics of both the CPI(M) and the Congress.

“On the day of Prana Pratishtha in Ayodhya (on January 22), the majority community in Kerala had rejected the stand of both the CPI(M) and the Congress. The consecration of Ram Temple ceremony was celebrated at all the temples and residences in Kerala. Even the minority communities welcomed the ceremony. All prominent Hindu community organisations called for lighting lamps at houses… Kerala is readying for a change, and this yatra is a precursor of that change,” said Surendran. “It is certain that Modi will retain power for a third time. The NDA wants Kerala to become part of the Modi government.”

Surendran also said at least 1,000 people will be given membership in the party from a constituency. “The yatra participants will comprise people from various walks of life. There will be meetings of various religious and community leaders on all days of the yatra. We will also discuss the developmental requirements of every constituency during the yatra,” he said.