The BJP president and Union Health Minister J P Nadda, during his visit to Kerala, took aim at the Left government, criticizing their handling of various issues including the delay in releasing the Justice Hema Committee report and their response to the devastating landslides in Wayanad. He also leveled accusations against the Congress-led UDF opposition, painting a grim picture of Kerala’s current state under both ruling and opposition parties.

Delay in Releasing the Justice Hema Committee Report

Nadda expressed strong disapproval of the delay in the release of the Justice Hema Committee report, a committee set up by the Kerala government to investigate the 2017 actress assault case. The report, which revealed instances of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry, allegedly implicated CPI(M) leaders. Nadda questioned the government’s motives for holding back the report and called upon the Chief Minister to be transparent about the findings and the involvement of the accused.

Implication of CPI(M) Leaders

The Justice Hema Committee report reportedly identified CPI(M) leaders as being involved in the issues highlighted in the report. Nadda pointed to this specific detail, implying that the government’s hesitation in releasing the report stemmed from a desire to shield their party members from accountability.

Call for Transparency

Nadda asserted that the Chief Minister should openly acknowledge the report’s findings, especially regarding the involvement of CPI(M) leaders. This demand for transparency aimed to highlight the government’s perceived lack of accountability and create pressure for the report’s release.

Criticism of the Government’s Response to Wayanad Landslides

Nadda heavily criticized the Left government’s handling of the devastating landslides in Wayanad, claiming that their slow response contributed to the tragic loss of life. He highlighted that despite warnings from the weather department and the presence of NDRF forces, the government’s delayed action hindered timely aid reaching affected areas.

Callousness of the State Government

Nadda blamed the government’s “callousness” for the lack of swift action in responding to the landslides. This pointed accusation attempted to paint the government as insensitive and indifferent to the plight of its citizens.

Insufficient Timely Response

Nadda pointed out that despite the presence of resources like NDRF forces and prior weather warnings, the government’s slow response prevented immediate and effective aid distribution. He directly attributed the delay in rescue efforts to the state government’s lack of preparedness and swift action.

Comparison of LDF and UDF

Nadda characterized the LDF and UDF as two sides of the same coin, both allegedly responsible for destroying Kerala’s culture. He painted a bleak picture of Kerala’s current state, claiming a decline in the state’s reputation for peace, development, and education, and an emergence of violence and corruption.

Erosion of Kerala’s Culture

Nadda lamented the perceived erosion of Kerala’s cultural values, associating it with the actions of both the ruling LDF and opposition UDF. This portrayal aimed to garner support by appealing to the perceived erosion of values and highlight the need for change.

Political Leaders’ Moral Degradation

Nadda directly criticized the moral compass of political leaders, accusing them of being corrupt and lacking integrity. This statement aimed to further tarnish the image of both the ruling and opposition parties and sow a seed of distrust among the electorate.

Focus on Kerala’s Political Landscape

Nadda utilized his speech to target both the Left government and the Congress-led opposition, painting them as ineffective and responsible for the state’s decline. He stressed the need for change, suggesting that the BJP offered a viable alternative.

Rise of the BJP in Kerala

Nadda expressed confidence in the BJP’s growing popularity in Kerala, emphasizing their potential for success. He strategically mentioned the “lotus,” a symbol of the BJP, blooming in the district of Palakkad, signifying the party’s hope for future electoral wins.

Attack on the Left and UDF

Nadda’s focus on attacking both the ruling LDF and opposition UDF aimed to weaken their perceived hold on Kerala’s political landscape. His portrayal of both parties as corrupt and incompetent aimed to create an opening for the BJP to present itself as a clean and effective alternative.

Take Away Points

Nadda’s speech was a strategic attempt to leverage Kerala’s political landscape, criticizing both the Left and Congress-led governments. His speech highlighted:

• The BJP’s focus on Kerala: Nadda’s visit and his strong stance against the Left government emphasize the BJP’s growing interest in Kerala, a traditionally Congress-dominated state.
• The BJP’s attempts to portray itself as the better option: Nadda’s attacks on both the Left and UDF parties were geared towards creating an image of the BJP as a viable and morally superior alternative.
• The potential for BJP growth in Kerala: Nadda’s confidence about the “lotus” blooming in Palakkad points to the party’s hope for electoral success in Kerala, signaling a shift in the political dynamics of the state.

Nadda’s accusations and pronouncements are likely to escalate tensions in Kerala’s political arena. They underscore the upcoming battle for the state’s political future and demonstrate the growing influence of the BJP in the state. The upcoming elections will test whether Nadda’s pronouncements translate into actual electoral success for the BJP.