RSS ground work yields results

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The RSS’s cadre base and groundwork for many years have eventually started reaping gains as BJP won 34 seats in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.They made rapid strides in Nemom and the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city as they won 11 and ten seats respectively in both two Assembly segments.

They won nine and four wards in Vattiyoorkavu and Kazhakoottam.

The responsibility of celebration across the city on Saturday was taken over by RSS workers who often came out with pro ‘Sangh’ slogans.

The BJP, which had on and off won few central wards around Fort like Sreekanteswaram and Palkulangara, has retained existing divisions and captured almost all central city areas with a strong RSS base.

They include Sreevaraham, Perunthanni, Kamaleswaram, Manacaud, Kalippankulam, Kuriyathi and Chalai.

The dominance further spread from Valiyasala to the north-east part of city winning Karamana, Jagathy, Poojappura, Thirumala, Pangode, PTP Nagar, Vattiyoorkavu, Kodunganoor and Thrikkannapuram.

While BJP strongman Ashok Kumar lost to CPM by just three votes in Vanchiyoor, R. Abhilash of Estate Ward lost by just one vote.

As per UDF analysts, their Nair votes have consolidated significantly in favour of BJP.

“We had in last many decades attracted very young workers who eventually made a new generation who are now our backbone. We keep on attracting more youngsters who won us this election,” said BJP spokesperson V.V. Rajesh.

BJP district president S. Suresh said they had won three-four more seats than the expected.

“The support of allies like VSDP has helped us. We increased the worker base from 42,000 to three lakhs. Our vote share rose five times in Neyyattinkara and Aruvikkara elections,” Mr Suresh said adding BJP will win much more than four seats in upcoming Assembly elections.

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