The BJP has identified a number of issues of topical relev-ance around which its campaign would revolve as electioneering peaks in Kerala. These include circumstances leading to the first-ever heat wave in the State, acute drinking water scarcity, a morbid farm sector and issues relating to NRI welfare.
R Balashankar, former editor of RSS mouthpiece Organiser, whom the BJP national partnership consults on Kerala affairs, said party President Amit Shah was briefed on these issues before he left for campaigning. Balashankar is member, BJP Central Committee on Prashikshan Maha Abhiyan and the Committee on Publications.
The heat wave and water scarcity assumes significance in the context of what has been happening in agrarian Saurashtra in Gujarat and the drought-stricken Marathawada in Maharashtra.
Gujarat has successfully implemented a water conservation policy.
Abundant resources
“First of all, there is tremendous awareness among the public here on the need to conserve water. Secondly, there are a number of water sources available locally.”
Thirdly, there is abundant rainfall that merely needs to be captured for harvesting. The problem is that there are no strong-willed initiatives to tap these resources for the good of the State, Balashankar told BusinessLine.
In contrast, Saurashtra, for centuries, has witnessed massive exodus of people in search of water. This is history now, thanks to the proactive policies of the then Gujarat government under Narendra Modi, he said.
Saurashtra has since been converted into the richest agrarian area in the region, he claimed. “This can easily be replicated in Kerala. Perennial rivers like Pamba can be made to hold more water and for longer by de-silting it. Also, we have a traditional network of ponds and other small water bodies in every village in Kerala,” Balashankar said.
NRI welfare
In his speeches, the Prime Minister is expected to refer to the contribution of NRIs to the economy of the State, despite the many hardships they face in many countries in West Asia.
The weakening of oil-based economies there has forced many of them to return home with whatever little earnings. Their plight is engaging the attention of the Centre right now.
During his recent visit to the region, Modi had met with many non-resident Keralites. He even visited some of the labour camps there.
“There are serious government-to-government level exchanges taking place on these issues. The Prime Minister is expected to talk about them during his tour of Kerala,” Balashankar said.