BJP Targets Kerala and Bengal: After 27 years, the BJP has formed a government in Delhi, sparking speculation about its next political targets. Are Kerala and West Bengal the party’s upcoming missions? Both states have remained BJP’s elusive bastions, where Leftist and regional parties have held a strong grip, preventing the saffron surge.
In Delhi, the BJP overcame a 25-year dominance of Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Since 1998, the party struggled to reclaim power in the capital. However, the combination of Modi’s strategic leadership and declining popularity of Kejriwal in 2025 paved the way for BJP’s historic victory.
This raises the question—can the BJP replicate its Delhi strategy in Kerala and Bengal? These states present a formidable challenge with entrenched opposition forces. With BJP’s expanding influence across India, will Kerala and Bengal finally witness a saffron wave? The political spotlight now shifts to the South and East as BJP strategizes its next big move.
Table of Contents
BJP’s Struggle to Make a Mark in Kerala
Kerala’s political landscape has long been dominated by two alliances—the Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by CPI(M) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) headed by Congress. Despite multiple attempts, the BJP has yet to establish a strong foothold in the state. The party’s journey in Kerala has been filled with challenges, but recent developments hint at potential opportunities for the BJP to carve out a space in this traditionally non-saffron territory.
Key Points
- A Lone Victory in 2016
The BJP made a breakthrough in 2016 by electing its first MLA, O. Rajagopal. However, this success was short-lived as the party failed to win a single seat in the 2021 assembly elections. - Struggles in National Elections
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP couldn’t make significant gains in Kerala, reflecting the uphill battle it faces in this region. - Opportunity Amidst Divisions
The growing rift between Congress and the Left could open new avenues for the BJP. The party is working to position itself as an alternative amid the fragmentation of its rivals. - Focus on Christian and Muslim Votes
BJP has intensified outreach efforts toward the Christian community in Kerala. If it succeeds in swaying Christian and even some Muslim voters, it could disrupt the established political equations. - Weak Core Support Base
One of BJP’s biggest challenges remains its limited core vote bank in Kerala, which has yet to gain significant momentum compared to other states.
The BJP’s path in Kerala remains uncertain, but its evolving strategies indicate that it’s determined to strengthen its presence in the state.
Can BJP Break Through in West Bengal?
West Bengal’s political history has been shaped by decades of Left Front rule and the dominance of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) since 2011. While the BJP made significant inroads during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the 2021 assembly elections reaffirmed TMC’s stronghold under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership. However, with persistent efforts and a shifting political landscape, BJP’s prospects in Bengal remain a subject of speculation.
Key Points
- BJP’s Rising Influence
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP surprised many by securing 18 seats, signaling its growing influence in Bengal. Despite this, the 2021 assembly elections saw TMC claim a landslide victory with 213 seats, while BJP settled as the opposition with 77 seats. - Challenges of a Strong Opposition
Mamata Banerjee’s popularity and TMC’s established vote bank present significant hurdles for BJP. Her image as a grassroots leader continues to resonate with large sections of the population. - Opportunities Amid Scandals
Corruption allegations and scams involving TMC could provide BJP with critical ammunition. The party can leverage these issues to position itself as a cleaner and more accountable alternative. - Hindutva and NRC-CAA Dynamics
Issues like Hindutva and the implementation of NRC-CAA may resonate with certain voter bases, helping BJP expand its reach, especially among Bengali Hindus. - Strengthening the Party Machinery
BJP’s ability to form a government in Bengal will depend on building a robust grassroots organization. Additionally, any internal conflicts within TMC could tilt the balance in BJP’s favor.
The BJP faces an uphill battle in Bengal, but with the right strategy and an effective campaign, it could emerge as a formidable contender in the state’s political arena.
Is Kerala and Bengal on Modi’s Radar Now?
After securing a historic victory in Delhi, BJP’s next political battlegrounds could be Kerala and West Bengal. The party’s approach, led by PM Modi and Amit Shah, has always been a game of persistence—building a strong support base over time before making a serious bid for power.
With BJP forming a government in Delhi after 27 years, the party is likely to intensify its efforts in these two states, where it has struggled to gain a foothold. Kerala and Bengal have distinct political landscapes dominated by regional and ideological forces, making BJP’s challenge tougher. However, if the party crafts a well-planned strategy, mobilizes grassroots support, and capitalizes on political shifts, a breakthrough in these states may not be impossible in the near future.
BJP’s First Government in Delhi: A Journey Since 1993
Delhi became a full state in 1991, and two years later, in 1993, the first assembly elections were held. The BJP secured a majority by winning 49 out of 70 seats, and Madan Lal Khurana became the first Chief Minister of Delhi. However, internal political changes and economic factors soon altered BJP’s trajectory in the state.
Key Political Developments
- 1993-1996: BJP’s First Stint
Madan Lal Khurana led BJP’s government, but he resigned in 1996 due to corruption allegations. Sahib Singh Verma took over as CM. - 1998: The Shift to Congress
Rising inflation and soaring onion prices created public dissatisfaction. BJP replaced Verma with Sushma Swaraj just before the elections, but Congress won by a landslide, and Sheila Dikshit became CM. - Congress Dominance (1998-2013)
Sheila Dikshit ruled Delhi for 15 years, winning in 1998, 2003, and 2008. - AAP’s Rise (2013-Present)
In 2013, the Aam Aadmi Party emerged victorious. Since then, BJP has failed to reclaim power in Delhi’s assembly elections but remains strong in municipal elections.
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Kejriwal’s Delhi Defeat: Will AAP Crumble Under BJP Pressure? Is Jail Awaiting Kejriwal?
