Twenty20 Party Joins NDA Ahead of Kerala Assembly Elections
In a significant political development, the Twenty20 party in Kerala, founded by garment major KITEX managing director Sabu M Jacob, has officially joined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the state Assembly elections scheduled for April. The party, which currently governs four panchayats including Kizhakkambalam in Ernakulam district, marks a strategic shift in Kerala's political landscape.
Strategic Alliance with NDA
Twenty20 president Sabu M Jacob explained that the decision to join the NDA fold was prompted by recent local body elections where over two dozen parties from both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF) fielded common independent candidates specifically to defeat Twenty20 at Kizhakkambalam. "Congress and CPI(M) had even jettisoned their symbols and ideology with the sole aim of finishing off Twenty20 as they feared our growth," Jacob stated emphatically.
Despite this united opposition, Twenty20 managed to secure victory at Kizhakkambalam for the third consecutive time along with three other panchayats. "These local body elections forced us to rethink our strategies," Jacob noted, adding that the alliance with NDA would provide new energy and courage for party workers while helping advance their development and welfare agenda.
Political Philosophy and Development Vision
When questioned about Twenty20's original objective of fighting mainstream parties and their alleged corruption, Jacob defended the alliance with BJP. "BJP is a party that has been voted to power in the country for the third consecutive term," he remarked, highlighting that the world's perception of India has transformed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
Jacob emphasized that Twenty20's political dream and development approach align with that of the BJP, stating categorically that their decision was not wrong. He dismissed suggestions that joining a political alliance betrayed their voters, asserting that "real politics is ensuring people's welfare"—something his party has been doing for the past decade.
Addressing Internal Dissent and Minority Concerns
The Twenty20 chief acknowledged some rebellion within the party following the decision to join NDA but maintained this was anticipated. With fifteen lakh members, Jacob expected approximately five percent might leave, noting that similar departures occurred when the organization transitioned from a charitable outfit to a political party in 2016.
Regarding potential minority backlash due to the tie-up with BJP, Jacob asserted that Twenty20 remains the only party in Kerala that does not indulge in communalism. "Our alliance is with NDA and it does not mean that we will surrender our ideology," he clarified, distinguishing between joining an alliance where BJP is a partner versus directly aligning with the party.
Rebuffing Business Protection Allegations
Jacob strongly refuted allegations from political rivals that the alliance with BJP was motivated by business protection interests. "How is this alliance related to my garment business?" he questioned, explaining that as an investor in Kerala, he requires various permissions from the state government, while his export-oriented business operates independently of central policies.
The KITEX MD challenged critics to examine whether his company had obtained anything illegal from the Kizhakkambalam panchayat, noting that all panchayat officials are state government nominees and that no expansion or new construction has occurred there since 2015.
Contrasting Kerala with Other States
Drawing comparisons with his business experience in Telangana, Jacob highlighted what he perceives as a unique characteristic of Kerala politics. "There is no mix of politics and investment in Telangana. It happens only in Kerala," he observed, suggesting that in other states, politics and business typically follow separate courses without conflict.
When asked about differences between Congress in Telangana versus Kerala, Jacob declined to make political comparisons, reiterating his identity as a businessman who went to Telangana purely for commercial purposes.
Electoral Strategy and Future Plans
While Jacob confirmed he would not personally contest the upcoming Assembly elections, he indicated that Twenty20 would field candidates beyond their current stronghold of Kunnathunad constituency. "I love backseat driving," he quipped, though no specific discussions about election candidates have been held yet.
The Twenty20 president revealed that state and district committees had discussed the party's future course of action, authorizing him to pursue alliance discussions and make appropriate decisions. He categorically ruled out any possibility of joining LDF or UDF, citing trust issues. "I am their common enemy," Jacob declared, adding that Congress and CPI(M) are primarily concerned about Twenty20's growth rather than each other's advancement.
As Kerala prepares for crucial Assembly elections, this new political alignment between Twenty20 and NDA introduces fresh dynamics into the state's traditionally bipolar political competition between LDF and UDF, potentially reshaping electoral equations in several constituencies.
