Thrissur, Kerala – Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address a mass gathering of women at the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Mahila Conference in Thrissur today. The BJP hopes to make inroads in the state, starting with Thrissur, which boasts a substantial Christian population.
PM Modi’s visit to Thrissur marks his second in the last five years, underlining the strategic importance of the constituency in the BJP’s plans for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Kerala.
#WATCH | Kerala: Preparations underway in Thrissur city to welcome PM Modi.
— ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2024
PM Modi will address a mass gathering of women at the Bharatiya Janata Party's Mahila Conference, today. pic.twitter.com/qRoQcldoCQ
Scheduled for Wednesday, the event, named “Sthree Shakthi Modikkoppam (woman power with Modi) Mahila Sangamam,” is designed as a reception for the Prime Minister following the passage of the women’s reservation Bill in Parliament in September 2023.
The BJP has curated a notable lineup of high-profile women achievers from various fields in Kerala to participate in the event. The PM will also lead a kilometer-long road show, featuring the BJP’s candidate for the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat, actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi.
PM Modi’s visit comes amidst the CPI(M) accusing the Centre of financially stifling the state and the recent month-long state-wide tour by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s Cabinet, highlighting the alleged attempts by the BJP to suffocate the state.
Chief Minister Vijayan took a dig at the BJP’s Christmas day celebration with the community, emphasizing the BJP’s efforts to gain support among Christian voters in Thrissur.
BJP state president K Surendran expressed confidence that Modi’s visit would be a landmark in the state’s politics, citing the comprehensive development initiatives undertaken by the Modi government.
Several prominent women icons from Kerala, including textile entrepreneur Beena Kannan, actor and dancer Shobana, cricketer Minnu Mani, singer Vaikkom Vijayalakshmi, and 78-year-old Mariyakkutty, are expected to share the stage with Modi at the Thrissur rally.
The BJP, eager to make electoral gains in Kerala, has intensified its efforts, with central leaders and Union ministers promoting the party’s welfare schemes in the state. Thrissur, historically dominated by the Left and the Congress, witnessed a notable increase in the BJP’s vote share in 2019.
Suresh Gopi, the BJP’s hopeful for the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat, has been actively addressing local issues and garnering support, indicating the party’s focus on consolidating Hindu and Christian vote banks in the constituency.
 Mahila Conference in Thrissur, Kerala.){kind=link}