After Tripura win, BJP eyes Kerala bypoll

BJP’s incredible victory in Tripura is likely to have its impact in the upcoming by-election to the Chengannur assembly seat as the victory in the CPM’s bastion in the northeast is bound to invigorate the saffron party’s rank and file in Kerala.

The constituency is heading for a by-election following the death of CPM MLA KK Ramachandran Nair in January.

Former state BJP president PS Sreedharan Pillai polled 42,000 votes in the Chengannur seat in the last election. His tough challenge gave a blow to Congress as two-time MLA PC Vishnunath lost the turf to Nair.


Though Nair won by a margin of 7,983 votes, the total number of votes polled in his favour was less than what the LDF candidate had won in the previous election. “The Chengannur byelection is important to CPM, Congress and BJP, irrespective of CPM’s rout in Tripura.

Since it’s in the run-up to the 2019 elections, its impact would have far-reaching consequences in Kerala politics. One will not be surprised if Amit Shah camps in the state or PM Narendra Modi addresses a rally,” said a senior BJP leader.