The BJP-led NDA will raise the pitch on unemployment, poor infrastructure and lack of investment in the job-starved state of Kerala as it gears up for polls. Much like West Bengal, unemployment could play a major factor in Kerala. The state which boasts of having the highest literacy rate in the country is stung by high unemployment rate.

BJP until now has not made a dent in Kerala as the state has seen power shift between United Democratic Front and Left Democratic Front. 

However, this time BJP is pulling out all the stops to create political space in the state.

Gopal Krishna Agarwal, BJP leader, who is also in charge of the state elections said that lakhs of people have returned to Kerala amid the Covid 19 pandemic. “About 5.5 lakh local people who had moved out of the state for employment reasons have returned after the pandemic hit, thousands are jobless. They want employment in the state, typically people do not want to leave their native place in search of jobs. There is anguish among people,” Agarwal told India Narrative.

Kerala’s economy has been largely driven by remittances and services including tourism.

Lakhs of local people have moved out of the state, many have emigrated to the Gulf countries for jobs.

“We want to change that. No state should depend on remittance. The fact that the state is remittance driven goes on to show that there are no jobs in the state and that people are forced to move out. Our manifesto is focused on jobs. People should be able to get jobs within the state,” Agarwal said.

“The BJP and its allies will cash in on this as unemployment has become a major issue in the state. More so in Kerala, as it has a high literacy rate. High literacy rate and no jobs have become even more of a problem in the state,” an analyst said.

Metro-man E Sreedharan’s joining the party has also boosted its image The octogenarian is associated most with the success story of the Delhi Metro but he has also worked in the restoration project of India’s first sea bridge– Pamban Bridge—connecting Rameswaram to mainland Tamil Nadu.

“He is an iconic figure, widely respected. Also he is known to be a person who can deliver. There is a lot of hope among the people of Kerala, even the youth connects with him,” Agarwal said.

As economic development comes in focus, it is to be seen whether BJP led NDA can gain from the anti-incumbency sentiments.