Twenty20, the political organisation spearheaded by Kitex Garments managing director Sabu M. Jacob, has formally joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to contest the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. The development signals a renewed attempt by the BJP-led alliance to disrupt the long-standing dominance of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) across the state.
The alliance comes on the heels of the NDA’s modest gains in recent local body elections and is expected to alter voter dynamics in select constituencies. Twenty20’s influence, particularly in industrial pockets where it has demonstrated governance capability, could complement the NDA’s broader political network and outreach.
Political observers believe the partnership could appeal to voters disillusioned with both the LDF and UDF, especially amid concerns about governance and economic management. Twenty20’s corporate-style administrative approach—credited with tangible results in local bodies—may resonate with sections seeking efficiency and accountability over traditional political rhetoric.
Speaking to BusinessLine at the NDA’s campaign office in Kochi, Sabu Jacob criticised successive governments led by the Congress and CPI(M), blaming them for Kerala’s rising public debt. “At a time when the whole of India is progressing, Kerala is falling behind. If the NDA comes to power, Kerala will definitely move forward along with other states,” he said, drawing comparisons with NDA-ruled states such as Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, which have transitioned from underdevelopment to major investment destinations attracting millions of dollars.
Twenty20 plans to contest 20 seats across Kerala, stretching from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod. However, he was cautious about predicting the electoral success of candidates, saying it is too early for an assessment. “Our manifesto is yet to come out, and when it does, it will create a favourable momentum among voters. The manifesto will differ significantly from conventional ones and focus on practical solutions to Kerala’s pressing issues,” he said.
The party has fielded a mix of candidates, including film and television actors. While this has drawn scepticism from some BJP members regarding winnability, Jacob defended the choices. “We selected prominent and talented candidates from diverse fields including the film industry. At the end of the day, politics is serving the country and the people. Their chances of winning will depend ultimately on Kerala voters.”
“One thing I can say is that Kerala will benefit if the NDA comes to power especially under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has created credibility for the country, evident while travelling abroad,” Jacob added.
Published on March 24, 2026