Thiruvananthapuram: BJP set out for Chengannur bypoll in an upbeat mood following their historic electoral success in Tripura. "Seized Tripura, Kerala is next," was the catchword among the cadres.
Though the party's candidate PS Sridharan Pillai and others relax that party have had a narrow escape from a disastrous setback, the result conveys the gruesome message that it will be pretty hard for the party to seize Kerala.
Group factors inside the party, non-co-operation of BDJS, consolidation of minority votes and increase in fuel price pushed the party into third place. The communal card played by the party resulted in consolidation of minority votes. The party could not fetch the votes it had garnered in many panchayats in the legislative assembly election. Non co-operation of BDJS also proved damaging to BJP. Not only the Hindus, even SNDP and NSS did not favour the saffron party either.
Group rivalry also raised their head. A section of the party was not active. Several leaders evaded the campaign on the pretext of Karnataka elections. As Kummanam Rajasekharan was appointed Mizoram Governor on the eve of by poll, criticisms have eluded him. MT Ramesh was entrusted with the responsibility of Chengannur bypoll.
The failure will compel the national leadership for a major revamp in the state unit. New leadership is yet to be identified.
Though Congress is blamed for vote swap, BJP is unable to explain where the seven thousand votes they had secured in the last election have gone.