With the entire country backlashing and condemning Congress’ move to field Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad, a minority dominated constituency, BJP comes out as ideological heroes. Not wanting to degrade themselves to Congress’ level, it was announced that Thushar Vellappally, who is also the president of Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) will be the NDA candidate for the region.
Amit Shah said, “I proudly announce Shri Thushar Vellappally, President of Bharath Dharma Jana Sena as NDA candidate from Wayanad.” He continued to describe him as a vibrant and dynamic youth leader who would pave the way for the NDA to emerge as Kerala’s political alternative.
I proudly announce Shri Thushar Vellappally, President of Bharat Dharma Jana Sena as NDA candidate from Wayanad.
A vibrant and dynamic youth leader, he represents our commitment towards development and social justice. With him, NDA will emerge as Kerala's political alternative.
— Amit Shah (Modi Ka Parivar) (@AmitShah) April 1, 2019
Responding to Amit Shah, the BDJS chief Tushar Vellappally thanked him. “Sir thanks for giving me the opportunity and big thanks for the kind words. This behind the curtain drama of the left and congress we will expose to our country men. I am with you in this fight to eradicate foreign rule from our motherland. Namo Again,” Vellappally tweeted.
BDJS is the 2nd biggest ally of the NDA. The party was founded in 2015 and is fighting its first Lok Sabha polls in Kerala. BDJS has been allotted five seats as per the seat-sharing agreement. The NDA candidate is the son of Vellappaly Natesan, who is the General Secretary of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP), which is an influential social and cultural organisation that represents the largest OBC community in Kerala, Ezhavas and has played a major role in empowering the community. The BJDS is the political arms of SNDP.
Vellappally has always held a pro-Hindusim stance and has been fearless in expressing it. During the time of the Sabarimala temple controversy, which had shaken the entire state of Kerala, opinions were divided. There were mass protests by worshippers against the Supreme Court judgment and in turn, the women were protesting to be allowed in. In this circumstance, while Vellappaly Natesan had slammed the protests against the Supreme Court, Thushar Vellappally had taken a counter stand. He demanded the central government should make laws to overrule the SC verdict. He stated, “The state government should realise the emotion of the public in the Sabarimala issue. A discussion should be held with the centre.” Moreover, on the ‘Women’s Wall’ which had been formed in the state, he said, “The women wall is not against Sabarimala issue. The programme which is done with renaissance organizations in Kerala is a reminder. No one has said that it is against Sabarimala. Media have said that women wall is against women entry in Sabarimala and Ayyappa Jyoti is against women.” To avoid any confusion, he had categorically stated, “We have repeated many times that SNDP and BDJS are with the devotees. I have attended the two rallies. Some are twisting facts to create misunderstanding. I have also participated in Ayyappa Jyoti.”
SNDP is viewed as the parent organization of BJDS. Not only does Vellappaly Natesan hold a position of power in the two organizations but is also the father of Tushar Vellappally. Going against such a powerful entity, Vellappally chose to respect the devotees’ beliefs and his unwavering Hindu stance. His Hinduism beliefs are not situational, changing according to the circumstances. This attitude is unlike his oppositions’ in the constituency, who is being called “Chunavi Hindu” (Hindu in election season).
While Rahul Gandhi has picked the constituency to feast upon the minority voters by practicing vote bank politics, Vellappally is representing Hinduism. Rahul Gandhi has fled the north, treating Wayanad as a “safe harbour” as his ship was sinking in Amethi, with his roots already shaken. Thushar Vellappally, on the other hand, has been standing strong and connecting with the public. Where Rahul Gandhi has been switching allegiances left, right and centre, focusing on politics and propaganda instead of the people; Vellappally has been working for the people since a long time, as Wayanad is his own region and culture.
Despite Wayanad being a minority dominated region, NDA has not even considered practicing dirty vote bank politics. Being clear on their ideology of a united state, Thushar Vellappally has been chosen as the optimum candidate. It is circumstances like this that shows an organization’s character. Being unwavering, NDA has proven that their allegiance is not fickle.
