India, Feb. 2 -- Conquering the southern states, including Kerala, is essential for the BJP-RSS combine to realise its long-term goal of transforming India into a Hindu Rashtra. Among the southern states, Kerala poses the greatest challenge for the BJP due to its unique demographic composition and high political awareness. Recognising this difficulty, the BJP has left no stone unturned in its efforts to expand its political footprint in the state.

The party's relatively improved performance in the recent local body elections-especially its victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation-has further encouraged it to intensify these efforts. In this context, the recent visit and road show by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as...