Thiruvananthapuram: BJP leaders and the RSS are among those blamed for the party's dismal performance in the Puthuppally byelection. 

Some workers feel that the RSS absence from the election campaign is a reason for the party's failure to widen its vote share in the constituency. 

N. Hari of the BJP received 11,694 votes during assembly polls in 2021, as opposed to Lijin Lalu's 6558 votes in 2023. In fact, the party hoped to receive an excess of 10,000 votes in Puthuppally. The BJP views the election result as a setback in its preparations for the crucial Lok Sabha election next year. 

BJP claims that the sentimental wave and anti-government factor had favoured the UDF candidate. At the same time, some argue that RSS failed to back the NDA candidate, leading to the party losing votes even in strongholds. 

Despite not being a major player in Puthupally, the BJP has banked their hopes on receiving the Christian votes in their favour. Local leaders were also in charge of 2-4 polling booths in the constituency to ensure that the party received most votes. 

Meanwhile, there have also been differences over fielding a candidate from outside the constituency. The leaders in Kottayam also expressed their disappointment on numerous occasions. As part of the preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha election, a meeting will be convened in Kochi on Sunday in the presence of the General Secretary Vinod Tawde.