2024 Lok Sabha Election in Kerala: Anil Antony Expresses Hope for BJP; Expects a Different Election

The Lok Sabha Election 2024 has presented several unique factors, according to Anil Antony in an exclusive interview with NDTV. Kerala, which voted for all its 20 seats in the second phase of the general election, is facing financial distress and significant anti-incumbency. Kerala has historically not elected a BJP candidate to parliament, despite having a majority of voters from the community.

The state has a bipolar political landscape, alternating between Congress and Left-led alliances. However, in a break from tradition, Kerala re-elected Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for a second term in 2021. Anil Antony pointed out the differences in the political landscape this time, emphasizing that there was a narrative shift in the last election when Rahul Gandhi stood for the first time.

He highlighted the dire financial distress in the state, leading to widespread anti-incumbency across all 20 seats. Anil Antony, who switched from the Congress to the BJP, is expected to help the party expand its base in the state, particularly among Christians. However, his father, Antony Senior, expressed disapproval of his son joining the BJP, leading to a rift within the family.

Anil Antony is facing tough competition in Pathanamthitta from Congress’s Anto Antony and the Left’s TM Thomas Issac. The candidature of Anil Antony has caused controversy within the BJP, with senior politician PC George expressing concerns about the party’s prospects in the constituency. George, who recently merged his Kerala Janapaksham with the BJP, voiced doubts about Antony’s recognition among the voters and its potential impact on the election.

These ongoing developments are shaping the political landscape in Kerala ahead of the Lok Sabha Election in 2024.