In what can be termed as a bolt from the blue for the political experts across India, popular Malayali actor, Lt. Colonel Mohanlal Vishwanathan, popularly known as just Mohanlal, looks all set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), following a visit with PM Narendra Modi.
Just recently, the acclaimed Malayali actor paid a visit to the PM. To quote his own Facebook post, the actor had met him primarily for garnering support for his NGO, ViswaSanthi Foundation. Following the meeting, the PM as well as the actor had accolades for each other. The PM tweeted, “…..His humility is endearing. His wide range of social service initiatives is commendable and extremely inspiring.”
Yesterday, I had a wonderful meeting with @Mohanlal Ji. His humility is endearing. His wide range of social service initiatives are commendable and extremely inspiring. pic.twitter.com/f3Dv3owHUV
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2018
Acknowledging his praise, Mohanlal also spoke positively about him. To quote his post, “…….He has assured all support and offered to participate in the ‘global Malayalee round table’ that can formulate futuristic solutions for a new Kerala. The PMO has also appreciated the organisation’s vision to set up a cancer care centre to cater to the needs of the underprivileged.”
This was enough to set up political speculations, rife with the possibility of Mohanlal giving his assent to join the BJP. This can be no mere coincidence that the two met on the auspicious date of Janmashtami. As per a report by the southern news daily Deccan Herald, it is clear that RSS has approved of this meeting and wishes to see Mohanlal join the BJP and contest polls for 2019 elections from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram, where the Congress politician and ‘popular’ intellectual Shashi Tharoor is the current MP. The only thing that remains is an official confirmation from the actor himself.
With that, the BJP has literally hit the ball out of park. Often criticized by elite, left leaning intellectuals a ‘cow belt party’, BJP has consistently broken political myths ever since they regained power in the Central government by 2014. They now hold a significant presence in the North East, as well as a popular mandate in the western region as well, especially states like Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan etc.
However, barring Karnataka, BJP doesn’t have many credible leaders in the Southern region of India to be proud of. They lack a mass leader in this region, who is not only popular, but equally reliable in garnering the popular vote, as well as a promise for a better future. Though BJP has gradually increased their vote share in the state of Kerala against all odds, it is still to make a major impact on a political note.
As such, the presence of Mohanlal as BJP’s face in Kerala will be just what the doctor ordered, since he is one of the few star actors above any major reproach. Besides, going by his choice of movies, for e.g. Kaalapani, Major Mahadevan series etc, Vanaprastham etc., his allegiance is more compatible towards the saffron party.
With Suresh Gopi already backing the party, Mohanlal’s added presence will be nothing less than a shot in the arm for BJP in order to make a major impact in the Southern India. Already the RSS has won many hearts with their selfless service towards the stranded and the victims of the Kerala floods. Besides, the groundwork of the RSS in this state, flourishing by leaps and bounds despite the murderous attacks by the opposition workers, primarily from CPI [M], is hidden from none.
When this is combined with the mass appeal that shall be brought by the presence of Mohanlal as a BJP candidate, the results would be something that BJP is yearning for years, not only in Kerala, but also more generally in the South, the combination whose absence has so far halted the victory run of BJP in the southern India.
With Mohanlal’s support to PM Modi and his likely arrival in BJP, the saffron party has almost nothing to fear and they can prepare for the upcoming 2019 elections with complete zeal and gusto. It would be interesting to see how the opposition reacts to this, for their stronghold over the narratives is slowly slipping out of their hands.
