Kerala traditionally a fortress for the Congress and Left could be witnessing a low-key but crucial political transformation. A fresh survey conducted by Political Vibe among 50 Assembly constituencies and 2,184 voters indicates growing support for the Modi government's approach to national security, particularly post-Operation Sindoor and the announcement of the ceasefire. The biggest surprise? Increased support from Christian and Muslim voters on key issues of national defense.
Overwhelming support for ceasefire choice
A whopping 72% of respondents feel that India acted wisely in agreeing to a ceasefire, and 80% gave a rating of 4 or 5 out of 5, indicating high satisfaction with the way things were handled. This opinion crossed communities, with even traditionally doubting parties displaying indications of support.
Christian voters demonstrate subtle but decisive shift
Among Christian respondents, 70.74% supported the ceasefire, and 82.66% felt India won the war a number that surprised even political observers. While only 45.86% said the Modi government deserves another term, the clear takeaway is an increased openness to the BJP’s national security stance. Notably, 65.73% said Rahul Gandhi would not have handled the situation better, suggesting growing confidence in Modi’s crisis leadership.
Muslim voters: Cautious but not dismissive
Muslim respondents gave a nuanced judgment. 77.47% supported the ceasefire, and 63.66% said India emerged victorious in the war. A comfortable 79.40% favored arms procurement in the modern era but a mere 27.85% thought the Modi government is worthy of a second term. Yet, 59.06% said Rahul Gandhi would have been better, showing residual political opposition but also an evident difference between political preference and national interest.
Overwhelming appreciation for armed forces across the board
- The Indian Defence Forces attracted huge appreciation:
- 91% of all respondents cheered the conduct of Operation Sindoor
- 90% liked the reaction to ceasefire breaches
- 91.32% concurred that fresh weapon acquisition made an actual impact
The scores were high across communities, including 87.76% Christians and 79.40% Muslims, which depicted a general confidence in the army and by extension, the government that supports it.
Backlash against anti-war political comments
Comments made by CPI(M) leaders John Brittas and M. Swaraj, which criticized the government's military decisions, failed to find favor. Just 13.10% supported their views, while 47.64% outright rejected them. Among Christians, 46.17% disapproved, and even 29.27% of Muslim respondents disagreed. The takeaway: political critiques that appear to undermine national defense are falling flat, even among minority groups.
Modi’s image rising as the face of national strength
The poll indicates an expanding embrace of Modi as a leader, particularly when it comes to national security. BJP messaging as a guardian of the borders and sovereignty of India is gaining traction even in Kerala, a state traditionally hostile to the saffron party. The favorable shift among minority votes, especially Christians, bodes well for breakthroughs in future elections.
A new political undercurrent in Kerala
Kerala's electorate is shifting. Traditional party allegiance persists, but the increasingly paramount place given to national interest, and the exemplary performance of the military, are making heads turn. If the BJP goes on exercising national security and decisive leadership as its prime strengths, even strongholds like Kerala might not be out of bounds anymore.
