Kerala: BDJS considers exit from NDA, explores new alliances
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Days after passing a resolution in Kottayam to explore alternative political partnerships, the Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), the second-largest ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Kerala, has called for a crucial state committee meeting on February 1 to address its future.
Founded in December 2015 with the support of Vellapally Natesan, general secretary of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam — a powerful Hindu Ezhava community organization in Kerala — BDJS is currently led by Natesan’s son, Tushar Vellapally.
At the Kottayam meeting, chaired by Tushar, the party expressed frustration with its alliance with the BJP, citing a lack of tangible political gains. The resolution indicated that for BDJS to maintain its relevance in Kerala politics, it might need to consider forging ties with either the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) or the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
Kerala, with a population of over 3.3 crore, has more than 50% Hindus, and the Ezhava and Nair communities form the majority. Historically, Ezhavas have been strong supporters of the CPI(M), but the 2024 Lok Sabha elections marked a notable shift. Many Ezhavas in central Kerala voted against the Left, benefiting both the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led UDF.
Tushar contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Kottayam as the NDA candidate but finished a distant third, while the Congress candidate triumphed decisively.
With the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government facing mounting allegations and an anti-incumbency wave, sources reveal that the CPI(M) has approached Natesan, expressing a willingness to bring BDJS into their fold. The upcoming local body polls could serve as a trial for this potential collaboration.
Meanwhile, the Congress-led UDF, keen to break its prolonged opposition status, is also reportedly open to welcoming BDJS as a full-fledged ally to bolster its chances in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.
As BDJS signals growing discontent with the BJP, all eyes are now on the BJP’s national leadership. Speculation about Tushar Vellapally being offered a Union ministerial position to solidify BDJS’s ties with the NDA has lingered for years. However, with no such offer materializing, the BJP faces increasing pressure to act, especially with local body elections approaching.
The upcoming BDJS state committee meeting is expected to be a pivotal moment in determining the party’s political trajectory in Kerala.
With IANS inputs
