Lok Sabha 2024 Election in Kerala: Anil Antony Expresses Hope for BJP in “Different” Election

The Lok Sabha Election 2024 is bringing significant changes to the political landscape in Kerala. Anil Antony, in an interview with NDTV, attributed these changes to “multiple factors.” Financial distress and widespread anti-incumbency are key issues in the state, which voted all 20 of its seats in the second phase of the general election.

Despite Kerala historically never sending a BJP candidate to parliament, the party is now striving to make inroads in its quest for 370 seats. Kerala has been politically bipolar, with power alternating between a Congress and a Left-led alliance for decades. The state has also consistently voted out incumbent governments, making the recent re-election of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for a second term a departure from tradition.

Anil Antony highlighted the significant shift in the political narrative, particularly during the previous election when Rahul Gandhi stood for the first time in Wayanad. He noted a disparity between the assembly elections and the national stage due to a mood shift. Antony emphasized the dire financial distress in the state, with the government unable to pay salaries and pensions, contributing to widespread anti-incumbency across the 20 seats.

He also pointed out the BJP’s efforts to gain support, especially among Christians, with his own switch to the party seen as a substantial move in this direction. However, his candidature in Pathanamthitta has stirred controversy within the state’s political circles. Anil Antony is up against the three-time sitting MP from Congress and a former finance minister from the Left.

His father’s criticism and the challenge posed by senior politician PC George reflect the complexities of the political landscape in Kerala. These various factors represent the evolving dynamics of the 2024 Lok Sabha Election in Kerala, shaping a competitive and intricate political contest in the state.