Agartala/Thiruvananthapuram Mar 26: Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha has temporarily shifted his focus from the State politics to the deep South. He arrived in Kerala on Thursday to bolster the BJP’s prospects in the upcoming 140-member Assembly elections.
Saffron victory: Tripura CM exudes confidence
Dr Manik Saha expressed confidence that Kerala is poised for political change paving way for development, and improved governance under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a social media post following his address at an election rally in Kalpetta, the Chief Minister said he campaigned in support of Prasanth Malavayal, the candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party from the constituency.
Saha further urged voters to extend their support to the BJP to realise the vision of a “Viksit Keralam,” stressing that development and good governance remain central to the party’s agenda.
He also expressed optimism that with public support, Kerala would move towards a stronger and brighter future.
Dr. Saha’s visit is seen as a strategic move by the saffron party to utilize his image as a “clean and performing” Chief Minister to dent the LDF and UDF strongholds, specifically targeting the home constituency of Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan.
After arriving in Kannur via Bengaluru this morning, Dr. Saha is scheduled to headline key election conventions.
His itinerary includes a high-stakes address at Chandragiri Auditorium for Kalpetta candidate Prasanth Malavayal.
Continuing his campaign tour, the Chief Minister will address another election rally at Dharmadam Assembly constituency in support of BJP candidate K. Renith.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is seeking re-election from this very constituency.
Dr. Saha is expected to draw parallels between the political shifts in Tripura and the potential for change in Kerala.
The BJP-led NDA is contesting all 140 seats in Kerala, with the party itself fielding candidates in 99.
While the BJP seeks to regain the momentum it lost after its 2016 win in Nemom, Dr. Saha’s presence underscores the party’s “Look South” internal policy, using successful regional leaders to bridge the cultural and political gap.
News Analysis: The ‘Tripura Precedent’ in Kerala Politics
The deployment of Dr. Manik Saha in Kerala is no coincidence.
Looking back, the BJP has successfully used the “Tripura Story”—the 2018 dismantling of a 25-year-old Left fortress—as a psychological blueprint for Kerala.
By sending a Chief Minister who was one of the leaders who successfully navigated the transition from a Marxist-dominated landscape to a BJP-led administration, the party aims to provide a tangible “proof of concept” to Kerala voters who remain skeptical of the BJP’s ability to govern a traditionally bipolar (LDF-UDF) state.
Homebound for Local Battles
After his whirlwind tour, Dr Saha is expected return in Agartala by Friday to pivot toward immediate local challenges.
The Chief Minister will spearhead the final leg of the campaign for the 30-member TTAADC elections (April 12) and the crucial Dharmanagar Assembly by-election (April 9).
With the West Bengal polls also on the horizon, the CM’s schedule reflects his growing stature as a key national campaigner for the party.