Hailing the victory of senior BJP leader O Rajagopal in the Kerala Assembly polls, Union Minister Harsh Vardhan today expressed hope that the people of the state would show more generosity towards the saffron party in future.
Noting that Kerala has never given an opportunity to any front to rule the state for two consecutive terms, Vardhan said though the people of the state had not shown much inclination towards BJP in the just concluded polls, he was certain that Keralites would become more broad-minded towards the party in the coming days.
The Union Minister for Science and Technology was speaking at a function organised by leading Malayalam daily 'Malayala Manorama' here to give away its 'Palathulli Puraskaram' (award) for those who implemented effective water conservation projects in the state.
Vardhan noted that the veteran BJP had made history by opening the BJP's account in the state Assembly after years of waiting.
Rajagopal was elected from the Nemom seat in Thiruvananthpauram district, defeating two-time sitting MLA V Sivankutty of the CPI(M).
Vardhan said Kerala is reeling under severe water crisis despite being blessed with enormous rains and 44 rivers.
Praising Malayala Manorama for its Palathulli (Many a Drop) programme for raising awareness on the importance of water conservation and rainwater harvesting, the minister said such initiatives would help create awareness among public about issues of water scarcity.
The minister said the Centre has an open mind towards Malayala Manorama Managing Editor Philip Mathew's request for three doppler radars for Kerala for advance weather forecasts.
