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As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his eventful tour across southern states, Lakshadweep marked a significant halt in his itinerary. The Union Territory witnessed Modi chairing a comprehensive review meeting and inaugurating projects valued at Rs 1,150 crore, underscoring the government’s commitment to strategic development in these islands.
Comprising 36 islands spanning 32 sq km, Lakshadweep might seem minuscule in the panorama of India’s Union Territories. However, from a political standpoint, the archipelago holds substantial significance for projecting Modi as a national leader, transcending regional divides. Additionally, it amplifies the government’s ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ message, particularly in a dominantly Muslim territory.
The BJP’s intensified activities and the PM’s visit are strategic moves, spotlighting territories deemed strategically vital, especially amidst heightened Chinese engagements in neighboring Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Addressing the people of Kavaratti, Modi juxtaposed his government’s initiatives with past administrations, highlighting his government’s focus on neglected border and oceanic regions. He emphasized the swift progress on promises made, such as the Kochi-Lakshadweep Submarine Optical Fibre Project, delivering high-speed internet to the islands.
Despite electoral setbacks in Kerala, the BJP remains steadfast in its efforts to expand its influence. Lakshadweep, geographically proximate to Kerala, serves as a crucial liaison between the two territories, bonded by close social, cultural, and linguistic ties.
Acknowledging the government’s initiatives, MP Mohammad Faizal, a member of the NCP, commended the developmental projects inaugurated by the PM, lauding efforts to provide tap water to 80% of households and gas cylinders to every island.
The government is contemplating a potential Air Force station in Lakshadweep, considering its strategic significance amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region. The proposed development aligns with concerns about China’s growing influence in neighboring territories.
However, the administrative decisions under Administrator Praful Khoda Patel have sparked local dissent, facing opposition from locals and even causing friction within the local BJP unit. Patel’s proposals, including bans and regulatory changes, have triggered backlash and controversies, indicating challenges in aligning with local sentiments.
While Lakshadweep continues to remain a stronghold for the NCP and Congress, the BJP remains undeterred, aiming to make headway. The party focuses on issues like air connectivity, essential for a population reliant on the mainland for various necessities.
As Lakshadweep navigates between developmental aspirations and local concerns, Modi’s visit embodies a strategic push for holistic inclusion in India’s developmental journey, despite potential electoral dividends remaining uncertain.
