What came as a major jolt to Congresses electoral ambitions in the state of Kerala, Tom Vadakkan, spokesperson and once a key aide of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, joined the BJP on Thursday. Vadakkan slammed the Congress for its “dynasty politics”, alleging the party has a culture of “use and throw which is not acceptable to self respecting party workers” as he joined the BJP in the presence of BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad. He also condemned the Congress party for their reaction on the Pulwama attack.
The problems for the Congress are far from over, according to media reports BJP is likely to field Tom Vadakkan against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor in the upcoming general elections from Thiruvananthapuram. Shashi Tharoor is the sitting MP from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala, who was involved in the controversy surrounding death of Sunanda Pushkar. In a 3000 page charge sheet filed by Delhi Police, Shashi Tharoor was charged with abetment of suicide for which he was granted bail on July 7, 2018.
The 2014 General elections saw a close competition between Shashi Tharoor and BJP’s candidate from Thiruvananthapuram, O. Rajagopal . In 2014 general elections Shashi Tharoor got only 34.09 % of the votes which is a direct drop from 44.29 % of the votes which he got in 2009 Elections. The 10 % drop in the vote share of congress in subsequent elections is a clear indication falling popularity of Shashi Tharoor in the constituency.
The 90 year old Rajagopal is the lone BJP MLA from Nemom in Kerala Assembly. The BJP under his Candidature saw a Massive 20 % increase in the vote share in the 2014 general elections. He is less likely to contest in the general elections due to his age. Rajagopal, a Veteran Jan Sangh leader might be asked by the party to support Vadakkan if he is pitted against Tharoor.
The addition of Vadakkan to the saffron party comes as a major boost for the party. The new entrant is much likely to further improve BJP’s electoral position in the state. Although Vadakkan’s defection is sure to degrade Congress’ credibility, the timing of the defections is a bigger concern for Congress. Aimed at creating chaos, just weeks before the polls, defection by a senior leader is not going down well with the ground cadre.
Jumping of ships by a senior Congress leader is clearly indicating towards declining support for the Congress and increasing positive sentiment for the BJP. A Congress leader said on Vadakkan joining the BJP, “whatever he can bring in will be a bonus for the BJP”. Not limiting to electoral benefits, addition of Vadakkan is also likely to aid BJP efforts in making inroads into different communities in Kerala. The BJP has upped the ante with strategic defection and effective candidate selection.
With the state currently struggling under serious law and order issues together with the sensitive issue of the Shabrimala temple, BJP is clearly emerging as the biggest gainer from Tom Vadakkan joining the party.