K Surendran thanks PM for appointing two ministers from Kerala to Union Cabinet

Surendran also stressed that the BJP will now concentrate on the upcoming local body and Assembly elections, positioning itself as the main contender.

Speaking with ANI, K Surendran said, "PM Modi has done a big thing for Kerala by giving two ministers in the Union Cabinet... The people of Kerala are grateful to PM Modi. This time, we could get one Parliamentary seat in Kerala. Kerala is a very tough state and we have been fighting for the past five to six decades against CPI(M)... Our workers sacrificed a lot and this is the victory of the martyrs and I attribute this victory to PM Narendra Modi."

Expressing confidence in the party's victory in the upcoming local body and assembly elections, Surendran said, "We (BJP) received a 20% vote share in the Lok Sabha elections. Getting a 20% vote share is not a small thing. We are focussing on the 25 local body elections and 26 assembly elections which will be game changers. BJP will be the main contender in local body and assembly elections..."

The state will witness the local body elections in 2025 while Assembly elections will be held in 2026.

Notably, BJP had secured one seat out of the 20 seats in the Lok Sabha elections while Congress had emerged victorious on 14 seats. Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) secured two seats while CPI(M) won one seat.

Taking to his official X handle, K Surendran said, "Narendra Modi and the BJP leadership have assigned key ministries to Suresh Gopi and Adv George Kurian, which will greatly aid Kerala's development. Kerala, with its vast potential in tourism, fisheries, dairies, and animal husbandry, can significantly enhance both our state and national economy. Thank you Modi for your care and love towards Kerala."

Kerala movie star turned politician Suresh Gopi, who registered BJP's historic win from Kerala's Thrissur was made Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism.

In a move apparently to expand its footprint in Kerala, George Kurian has been appointed as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Minority Affairs; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Kurian is the BJP's General Secretary from Kerala. (ANI)