RSS takes control of BJP campaign in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: The RSS has stepped in to avert a disaster for the state BJP in the local body elections due to the bickering in the top leadership. The poll campaign and booth management will be conducted under its supervision as it  fears that even sure seats will be lost if things are not controlled.

However, BJP national executive member P. K. Krishnadas said the party campaign was being done jointly. RSS state secretary and Prantha Karyavahak P. Gopalankutty Master stressed that factionalism had to be kept aside to face the polls.

Ever since Mr V. Muraleedharan assumed charge as state BJP chief for a second term,  things have been in bad shape for  the party. The dissident faction led by former president and BJP national executive committee member P. K. Krishnadas has opposed  him for his unilateral stand. When Mr Muraleedharan snubbed  former RSS and BJP strongman P. P. Mukundan in the ‘missed call campaign,’ it led to another war of words between the party leaders. The RSS state leadership, however, reined in the warring leaders.

Several districts, including Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur, are facing internal strife which has upset the RSS state leadership.

But Mr Krishnadas denied this and said,   “in every ward/booth, there would be a person each from the BJP and the RSS. But unlike previous years, the RSS leadership has been active in the local elections now,”  he said.

Mr Gopalankutty Master said that the only agenda before the Sangh Parivar was to install a government which supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Of course, there are hitches within the state BJP leadership. But now such differences have to be kept aside for the polls,”  he said.