Thiruvananthapuram, 24 April (H.S.):A controversial political observation by Advaita Vidyashram Mutt head Swami Chidanandapuri has triggered debate in Kerala’s political circles, with the seer suggesting that the BJP’s long-term prospects in the state may depend on the Left Democratic Front (LDF) returning to power once again.
Speaking on the evolving political landscape, the swami argued that protest movements have historically been the backbone of the CPI(M)’s strength. According to him, prolonged governance tends to weaken that edge, gradually eroding the party’s organisational vigour. He said that if the LDF continues in power for another term, both the ruling CPI(M) and the opposition Congress could lose their traditional strengths, potentially creating a political vacuum that the BJP could capitalise on in the future.
He further claimed that the Congress derives its strength primarily from being in power, and warned that another term in the opposition could significantly weaken the party. The swami also alleged that the Congress in Kerala functions under the influence of the Indian Union Muslim League and Jamaat-e-Islami, remarks that are likely to draw sharp political reactions.
Expressing concern over ideological influences, he said a government backed by organisations like Jamaat-e-Islami, which he claimed advocates an Islamic state, should not come to power in Kerala.
At the same time, Swami Chidanandapuri acknowledged that the BJP currently lacks the electoral strength to form a government in the state. In this context, he said that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan returning to power would be a more feasible outcome, adding that this was also his personal preference under the present circumstances.
He also pointed to what he described as a consolidation of Muslim votes in the state during elections, along with coordinated appeals from religious leaders across communities, including Muslim scholars and sections of the Christian clergy.
The remarks come at a politically sensitive time as Kerala prepares for a closely watched electoral contest.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman