Keralam Polls 2026: Christian Association and Alliance for Social Action backs NDA, slams UDF, LDF appeasement politics
Thrissur: The leadership of the Christian Association and Alliance for Social Action (CASA) has declared its support for the NDA, asserting that Christians and church leadership in Keralam should align with the alliance. The organisation stated that both major political fronts, LDF and UDF, in the state are engaged in appeasement of Islamic extremism, and emphasised that the NDA is the only front that can be trusted. CASA leaders said the church leadership and bishops must recognise this political reality and take a clear stand. According to them, the NDA represents a reliable political alternative in the current socio-political context of Keralam. Allegations against Congress and Muslim League The CASA leadership strongly criticised the Congress, alleging that it is effectively led by the Muslim League, which it described as a threat to national security. It claimed that the Congress in Keralam has increasingly adopted policies that promote communalism and appeasement politics. Referring to past developments, CASA stated that senior leader A.K. Antony withdrew from active state politics due to the Congress allegedly surrendering to the Muslim League. It further alleged that the Muslim League secured the fifth ministerial position in a Congress-led government through political bargaining. The organisation also claimed that Congress leaders are now in a position where they must defer to the League’s spiritual leadership. It accused the Congress of supporting positions such as backing Hamas, supporting Iran despite its links to terrorist groups, expressing concern for Palestinian Muslims while remaining silent on the plight of Hindus and
In the lead-up to the 2026 Keralam polls, the Christian Association and Alliance for Social Action (CASA) has made a bold move, declaring its support for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The organisation's leadership has urged Christians and church leaders in the state to align with the NDA, arguing that it is the only viable political alternative in the current socio-political landscape of Keralam. CASA's stance comes as a strong rebuke to both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF), which the group claims are engaged in appeasement of Islamic extremism.
CASA leaders emphasised that the church leadership and bishops must recognise this political reality and take a clear stand. They believe that the NDA, with its commitment to secularism and national interests, is the only front that can be trusted to address the challenges facing the state. The organisation's decision to back the NDA is a significant development, as it highlights growing concerns among certain Christian communities about the direction of Keralam's politics.
The CASA leadership has also levied severe criticisms against the Indian National Congress (INC), alleging that it is effectively led by the Muslim League, a group it describes as a threat to national security. The organisation claims that the Congress in Keralam has increasingly adopted policies that promote communalism and appeasement politics. CASA points to past developments, such as senior leader A.K. Antony withdrawing from active state politics due to the Congress allegedly surrendering to the Muslim League.
Furthermore, CASA alleges that the Muslim League secured the fifth ministerial position in a Congress-led government through political bargaining. The organisation asserts that Congress leaders are now in a position where they must defer to the League's spiritual leadership. It accuses the Congress of supporting positions such as backing Hamas, supporting Iran despite its links to terrorist groups, and expressing concern for Palestinian Muslims while remaining silent on the plight of Hindus and Christians in Bangladesh.
CASA's criticisms extend to other policies, including the Congress's support for granting protection to Rohingya refugees, the passage of the Waqf Act of 1995, the implementation of the Sachar Committee recommendations, and adopting what the organisation terms an anti-India stance on Kashmir. The group also accuses the Congress of opposing measures to counter Pakistani-sponsored terrorism.
These allegations highlight a growing divide within Keralam's political landscape, with CASA arguing that the NDA is the only viable alternative to the LDF and UDF. The organisation's decision to back the NDA sends a clear message to the church leadership and Christians in the state, urging them to take a stand in support of what it perceives as a more reliable political force.
As the 2026 polls approach, the stance of CASA is likely to influence the political dynamics of Keralam. The organisation's criticisms of the Congress and its allegations of communalism and appeasement politics could resonate with certain Christian communities, potentially swaying votes in favour of the NDA.
However, it remains to be seen how the church leadership and bishops in Keralam respond to CASA's call. The organisation's demands for a clear political stand could put pressure on religious leaders to align with the NDA, but they may also face criticism for overtly endorsing a political alliance.
In the meantime, the NDA's prospects in Keralam will depend on its ability to address the concerns raised by CASA and other groups. The alliance will need to demonstrate its commitment to secularism, national interests, and a balanced approach to communal issues if it is to gain the support of Christians and other marginalised communities in the state.
The 2026 Keralam polls are shaping up to be a crucial election, with the stance of groups like CASA likely to play a significant role in determining the political outcome. As tensions rise and allegations of communalism and appeasement politics are levied, the state's future hangs in the balance, with the NDA, LDF, and UDF vying for control in a highly charged political environment.
