BJP Resumes ‘Sneha Yatra’ in Kerala to Connect with Christians Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls

As the Lok Sabha elections approach, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala has reinitiated its ‘Sneha Yatra,’ a community outreach initiative aimed at connecting with the Christian community in the state. Originally launched during Easter earlier this year, the programme has been resumed to coincide with the Christmas season. BJP State Chief K Surendran conveyed Christmas greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prominent church leaders, including Cardinal George Alencherry and Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparbil, marking the beginning of the Sneha Yatra. While the Congress in Kerala criticized the initiative, likening it to the “kiss of Judas,” BJP leaders aim to strengthen ties with the Christian community through home visits and interactions with religious heads until December 30.

The initiative comes at a crucial time, with the Lok Sabha polls looming, and the BJP’s objective is to bring the Christian community closer to the saffron party. The closed-door meetings between BJP leaders and church authorities have sparked curiosity, with discussions reportedly centered around conveying festive greetings and fostering cordial relationships. While media reports suggested differences between the Church and the BJP after the Manipur violence issue, party leaders dismissed such claims, emphasizing their longstanding cordial relationship. The Sneha Yatra reflects the BJP’s strategic efforts to broaden its appeal and establish connections with diverse communities in Kerala ahead of the upcoming elections.