This interview reflects his acumen, clarity of thoughts and candid approach to politics. A no-nonsense leader, he says a lot.
KERALA POLITICS and BJP's Role.
For those who are interested in Kerala politics, specifically BJP's stance and chances, I am transcribing a Youtube Q&A with @surendranbjp BJP president, Kerala.
A vibrant and savvy politician, KS is the leader Kerala BJP supporters asked for.
This interview reflects his acumen, clarity of thoughts and candid approach to politics. A no-nonsense leader, he says a lot.
BJP and RSS relationship is that of ideology and political outfit (I have discussed this in detail in a previous thread and KS's view supports my points) and is strong currently.
Covid relief work has brought us even closer.
But BJP doesn't do this. Why?
But we are open to minority support as well. Hindu movement is stronger, not sure how far UDF have understood this.
In 2019, UDF got this support, but lost two sitting assembly constituencies in the bye elections, because they couldn't retain this support.
But UDF doesn't seem to notice the change in wind.
About 15 years ago, Shabarimala wouldn't have been an issue. So, the social psyche is changing in Kerala.
LDF is trying to be pro-Hindu, which shows they have realised what they are losing.
No, I don't think so. Its relevant only when BJP has about 25% vote base. At present we are at 16.5%. In 4 LS constituencies, we got 30% vote, 25% in another.
We want this to reach out to all assembly constituencies.
There are 80 of the 140 assembly constituencies which are Hindu majority. Hindus should believe in winnability, then they will consolidate
(This point I have raised in the past)
Things have changed here. Local elections will show the difference.
BJP will have better support than UDF and LDF.
Both fronts cannot win central Kerala and central Travancore without minority votes.
In 4 districts, most important party is BJP.
There are constituencies were Congress wouldn't get more than a few thousands. Without ML and Xs outfits, Congress is a non-entity there.
That is the base that they are losing now.
The ideological defeat through smuggling and corruption have broken this strong cadre.
This base is slowly shifting to BJP now.
(Shashikala teacher is a main factor here)
Hindu vote. We will also need support of minorities. We may have won a few constituencies with an extra percentage.
I don't believe Ms will vote for BJP all of a sudden.
I do have hope due to the community's fear of Ms extremism and L0v3 J!h4t. They also know that Congress is not going to form a govt at the centre.
This is the state's unique issue and we are strong on this. At first, we should build on the trust of our people that we are a winnable force in the state.
Minority commission is for minorities, so Hindus cannot hold positions there. But BJP Kerala will not bend any of its outlook.
Money flow is affected for Semitic religious conversions after Modi govt has come.
Because of demonetisation, hawala is affected.
Conversion is also affected.
But these are at the top level, Xs as community think differently.
They are now supporting BJP
(There is a pro-nationalistic voluntary rise of Xs support for BJP in Kerala)
Kerala is in a dangerous situation. J!h4tists have come together with communists. There is nexus.
All Sangh parivar voices have raised a lot of spiritual awareness.
This is why PV tried Police Act amendment.
MSM can be bought, which is what they did. MSM received 2 - 3 cr so that they write in support of the govt.
8. LDF is able to succeed in teasing BJP leaders, and create an image of BJP as a laughing stock. How do you fight that?
I don't believe all communists do that.
They do an organised attack against BJP leaders and Hinduism. Their purpose is to develop and consolidate M vote bank in compensation for the losing Hindu vote base.
Now we are doing offensive defence.
Media is against us. I told media that if they don't give support, we will get our own support.
So, we don't go just by the media. We try to maintain good relationship, but don't rely only on it them.
We have gone issue based now after I have taken charge.
This helps in managing media relationship.
No prejudice. We are candid. Even DD has refused to show PM's programme live.
Cont'd
10. Can you say BJP has a place in the mainstream politics today?
Take govt - one MLA, and we are invited as the 11th party in important meetings - although we are governing at the centre.
But we are the main party on issues. Ordinary public looks for BJP's stance. We have grown to be the main opposition and they follow our take on issues.
After the local body elections, BJP will become an unavoidable force.
Yes. Look at Karnataka - had 4% vote share and 2MLAs, then 9 MLAs, then govt. Today, we have 16% vote share and 1 MLA.
16 to 35% isn't impossible.
We have intervened in every issue and have emerged the actual opposition.
Mainly women's support. It shows Kerala public especially women trust only BJP.
All cases cannot be investigated by CBI. All state agencies are under the govt. Their efforts are easily thwarted by the govt.
There is no internal conflicts inside the party. It's not a leader based party.
Such things won't affect the party as it is built of people who have come for the ideology. Election is priority for all.
Our aim is to form govt in the state. After Dec 2020, people in Kerala will have the confidence that BJP will form a govt. this will be the game changer.
It's for history to say what I have left behind. But I am not working to leave any mark behind. My term is short - just 3 years.
END>
Notes: I thank the interviewer for asking the right questions and getting the best value for time.
+
Please watch the actual video here.
https://t.co/wFXU3JG3Bk
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This is partly what makes it impossible to have a constructive conversation nowadays. The stubborn refusal to accept that opposition to Trumpism and GOP nationalism is about more than simply holding different beliefs about things in and of itself. 👇
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It's fine for people to hold different beliefs. But that doesn't mean all beliefs deserve equal treatment or tolerance and it doesn't mean intolerance of some beliefs makes a person intolerant of every belief which they don't share.
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Once upon a time there was a Raja named Uttānapāda born of Svayambhuva Manu,1st man on earth.He had 2 beautiful wives - Suniti & Suruchi & two sons were born of them Dhruva & Uttama respectively.
#talesofkrishna https://t.co/E85MTPkF9W
Now Suniti was the daughter of a tribal chief while Suruchi was the daughter of a rich king. Hence Suruchi was always favored the most by Raja while Suniti was ignored. But while Suniti was gentle & kind hearted by nature Suruchi was venomous inside.
#KrishnaLeela
The story is of a time when ideally the eldest son of the king becomes the heir to the throne. Hence the sinhasan of the Raja belonged to Dhruva.This is why Suruchi who was the 2nd wife nourished poison in her heart for Dhruva as she knew her son will never get the throne.
One day when Dhruva was just 5 years old he went on to sit on his father's lap. Suruchi, the jealous queen, got enraged and shoved him away from Raja as she never wanted Raja to shower Dhruva with his fatherly affection.
Dhruva protested questioning his step mother "why can't i sit on my own father's lap?" A furious Suruchi berated him saying "only God can allow him that privilege. Go ask him"
Once upon a time there was a Raja named Uttānapāda born of Svayambhuva Manu,1st man on earth.He had 2 beautiful wives - Suniti & Suruchi & two sons were born of them Dhruva & Uttama respectively.
#talesofkrishna https://t.co/E85MTPkF9W
Prabhu says i reside in the heart of my bhakt.
— Right Singh (@rightwingchora) December 21, 2020
Guess the event. pic.twitter.com/yFUmbfe5KL
Now Suniti was the daughter of a tribal chief while Suruchi was the daughter of a rich king. Hence Suruchi was always favored the most by Raja while Suniti was ignored. But while Suniti was gentle & kind hearted by nature Suruchi was venomous inside.
#KrishnaLeela
The story is of a time when ideally the eldest son of the king becomes the heir to the throne. Hence the sinhasan of the Raja belonged to Dhruva.This is why Suruchi who was the 2nd wife nourished poison in her heart for Dhruva as she knew her son will never get the throne.
One day when Dhruva was just 5 years old he went on to sit on his father's lap. Suruchi, the jealous queen, got enraged and shoved him away from Raja as she never wanted Raja to shower Dhruva with his fatherly affection.
Dhruva protested questioning his step mother "why can't i sit on my own father's lap?" A furious Suruchi berated him saying "only God can allow him that privilege. Go ask him"