Thiruvananthapuram

Setting the agenda for the 2016 Assembly polls, BJP in Kerala today launched a scathing attack on ruling Congress-led UDF and CPI(M)-headed LDF Opposition as it looked to capture power in the state.

“During earlier polls, the party used to say that it’s aim is to open an account. But this time we are contesting for coming to power by securing 70 plus seats,” newly-appointed BJP state President Kummanam Rajasekharan said at a meet-the-press programme here.

There is political space for BJP in Kerala and it was evident from the good performances in the recent civic polls, he said.

Rajasekharan also indicated that BJP would have a tie-up with Bharat Dharma Jana Sena, a new party formed by Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, an outfit of backward Ezhava community, led by general secretary Vellapally Natesan.

“Discussions would be held to form a third force in the coming days,” he said and added that people have realised the “unethical” politics practised by both UDF and LDF.

Rajasekharan said a new political situation was emerging in Kerala which would see BJP and its allies on one side and the anti-BJP group on the other.

Rajasekharan, a full-time RSS worker and a hard core Sangh Parivar activist, alleged that both the Fronts pursue the policy of appeasement on the basis of religion.

He questioned the rationale behind the administration of temples by the government. “Why does government interfere only in the administration of temples? Why is it not ready to take over the administration of churches and mosques?” he asked.

“The government should leave temple matters to devotees,” he said, adding a Hindu devotee now does not have a say on the affairs of temples.

Devaswom Boards, that runs about 1,300 temples in Kerala function in an undemocratic manner, he alleged and added that devotees’ views and opinions are not taken into consideration.

Rajasekharan, also an enviromentalist, wanted a master plan to protect and preserve the Western Ghats, based on the reports of Madhav Gadgil and Kasturirangan Committees on Western Ghats preservation.

He also alleged that Kerala was the only state which had failed to implement the Forest Rights Act, that ensures tribals the right on land and other forest resources.

PTI