More Leftist violence, more the Lotus will bloom in Kerala: Amit Shah

BJP national president Amit Shah wound up his three-day Kerala visit on Sunday evening with a call to the party workers to strive hard to "utilise the space" in the southern state's political arena, saying there was "enough potential" for the saffron party's growth here. 

After addressing a series of meetings of BJP workers and office-bearers in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, he said there was enough potential for the party's growth in the state, which was being ruled by the CPM-led LDF and the Congress-led UDF alternately.

Also read: Beef politics: An olive branch to Church and a snub to Muslims sum up Amit Shah’s visit

Here are five key takeaways from Amit Shah’s Kerala visit:

1 'The more Left-centred violence, more the Lotus will bloom'

Shah said the ruling CPM should not be under the illusion that the growth of BJP in Kerala can be suppressed by violence. "It has become difficult for BJP to carry out activities in Kerala. But the CPM should not think that they can suppress the party’s growth by resorting to violent tactics," the veteran leader said, adding that the increase in attacks on BJP would lead to “the blooming of more lotuses in the state”.

2 Focus is on doing well in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls

The BJP chief exhorted the workers to ensure an increase in the vote share of the party in Kerala from the present 15 per cent to a "minimum of 40 per cent", which, he said was essential for a poll victory in a three-cornered contest. "The foundation of formation BJP government in Kerala is completed today. We will have offices in every district of India by December 2019," he stressed.

Also read: Amit Shah in Kerala: BJP chief meets bishops, Christian leaders in Kochi

3 Slams CM Pinarayi for Kannur violence

Shah said Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has failed to contain the increasing political violence in the state, especially on his home turf in Kannur. "In the chief minister's home district and home constituency, killings are taking place every day. Forget CPM, BJP. Is he responsible or not? He should be responsible because he is the Chief Minister," he opined.

4 Political violence against RSS, BJP to be dealt with legally

Shah stressed that the political violence against BJP and RSS workers in Kerala by the ruling CPM will be dealt with legally. "Each time the CPM comes to power in Kerala, the attacks against the BJP and RSS cadres increase. 13 activists have been murdered in their reign so far. We will deal with this political violence legally," the veteran leader said.

Also read: As Kerala boils over beef, Amit Shah arrives to shore up state BJP

5 Heads likely to roll in state leadership

Shah took part in a series of meetings with the BJP's Kerala leadership at the weekend and, according to informed sources, has given a dressing down to the leadership for not making effective inroads into the society. His scheduled press conference on Sunday was called off as he was reportedly unhappy over the state leadership's work on various issues. If reports are to be believed, heads are likely to roll in the leadership. 

• Amit Shah
• Kerala