The January 3 visit to Thrissur by Prime Minister Narendra Modi could be a game-changer in Kerala politics. The BJP, yet to win a Lok Sabha seat from the State, is likely to register its first-ever victory in 2024 elections.

PC George, a seven-time MLA and a veteran leader of the Kerala Congress (a party representing the interests of the Catholic community as well as the Church), is all set to join the BJP. George disclosed his plan in a TV panel discussion on Friday night, saying he would not hesitate to join the BJP.

“As of the current date, the BJP is the only political outfit interested in the progress of the country, and I am not averse to the idea of joining it,” said George

The Christian leader lost last Assembly poll, marking his first-ever loss, as Islamist extremists issued a diktat to community members not to vote for him due to his stance against the infamous Love Jihad incidents, which are on the rise in Kerala.

George had quit the Kerala Congress due to the party leadership’s decision to anoint Jose K Mani as the successor to party founder KM Mani, the of the party.

Interestingly, Father Shyju Kurian, a priest of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, joined the BJP last week. This marks the first time in the Church’s history that a priest is joining the BJP.

Speaking to The Pioneer, George expressed that the stance of the CPI(M) and the Congress supporting Hamas in the war against Israel is highly despicable and dangerous. He stated, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the only world leader to condemn the Hamas terrorists who left a train of rape, murder, and mayhem in Gaza. They massacred more than 2000 innocent Jews, and Prime Minister Modi condemned the attack. The Congress and the CPI(M), which have been infiltrated by Islamic terrorists, are busy organizing meetings as a mark of solidarity with the Hamas terrorists. Both the Congress and the CPI(M) have become a threat to the nation as they are echoing the voice of Islamic terrorists,” said George.

The veteran lawmaker is known to make statements only after a thorough analysis of all issues. He mentioned that Modi’s stance that an independent Palestine was what India wanted has inspired the West Asian countries but not the opposition parties in India. George added, “The Opposition party leaders are worried about the chances of them getting arrested for malpractices, corruption, and financial impropriety. The last ten years have been a period of unprecedented progress and a scam-free phase of the country’s history. We have to make a change in Kerala,” said George.

Although George is yet to officially declare his stance, the Christian community is optimistic about the prospect. Kevin Peter, president of Christian Alliance for Social Action (CASA), stated, “His move to join the BJP reflects the ground reality in the State. Many leaders of the community would join the BJP once George makes his stance known. The Christians in the State have seen through the fake propaganda that their counterparts in Manipur and other North Eastern States are under attack from the BJP and the RSS. This will not work anymore. The Christians are supporting the BJP because of the sincere work and excellent leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

Political pundits believe that if a section of the Christian community aligns with the Hindutva party, it has the potential to bring significant changes to the political landscape of the State.