“The poll results showed the BJP could increase vote-share in central Kerala, which has a significant and influential Christian population,” a BJP leader said. Sources said state BJP leaders have been asked to reach out to the community to create a “level of trust and reduce trust deficiency”. Party leaders believe now that the UDF is out of power, talks for a possible alliance may be more fruitful. According to a BJP leader who has been involved with organisation works in the state, the Kerala unit had ignored P C Thomas, the leader of Kerala Congress who was part of NDA-1. “Had we managed to keep the Christians and Nairs — two communities considered to be (BJP’s) natural allies in the state, the party would have got 8-10 seats,” one central leader said.

Source: Indian Express June 10, 2016 20:13 UTC