Kerala’s Identity At Risk If BJP-RSS Rise, Warns Pinarayi Vijayan

 Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has warned that the state’s secular and progressive identity could be in jeopardy if the BJP-RSS combine gains political prominence in the region. Speaking at a public event in Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayan said that Kerala’s unique cultural and social harmony is under threat from divisive ideologies attempting to polarize society along religious lines.

Vijayan, a senior leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accusing them of trying to dismantle the inclusive fabric that has long defined Kerala. “Our state has always stood for equality, harmony, and progressive values. If communal forces take root here, Kerala will lose its identity,” he said.

The chief minister’s remarks come at a time when the BJP is making concerted efforts to expand its political presence in southern India, particularly in Kerala, where the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF) have traditionally dominated politics. Recent visits by national BJP leaders and increased outreach programs have indicated the party’s intention to challenge Kerala’s existing political landscape.

Vijayan also accused the BJP-RSS of exploiting religion for political gain. “They are trying to divide people by spreading hate and misinformation. Kerala’s people must remain alert and defend our values of secularism and tolerance,” he urged. He emphasized that the state’s development model—based on education, health, and social welfare—was being threatened by the rise of communal politics.

Political analysts say Vijayan’s statements reflect growing unease among Left leaders about the BJP’s gradual inroads in Kerala. While the BJP has yet to win a parliamentary seat from the state, its vote share has increased over recent elections, signaling a slow but notable shift in public sentiment.

The Congress-led UDF also echoed Vijayan’s concerns, accusing the BJP of attempting to import northern-style polarization into Kerala. UDF leaders said the state’s political maturity and literacy would ultimately prevent communal politics from taking root.

However, BJP leaders dismissed Vijayan’s remarks as “fear-mongering” and claimed that their rise represents the aspirations of ordinary citizens. “The chief minister knows that his government is losing credibility. People are looking for a change, and the BJP is providing that alternative,” said BJP state president K. Surendran.

Observers note that Vijayan’s warning could be part of a broader strategy to consolidate secular votes ahead of the upcoming elections. The LDF hopes to rally voters around the message of preserving Kerala’s pluralistic identity.

As political campaigns intensify, Kerala appears set for a fierce ideological battle—one that may define the state’s future direction. Whether Vijayan’s warnings resonate with voters or fuel a stronger counter-narrative remains to be seen in the coming months.