What explains the ‘ChriSanghi’ rise—and how far can it take the BJP in Kerala?

Apr 7, 2026 | 12:47 IST

Members of the Christian community take part in a Good Friday procession in Kozhikode (PTI)

‘ChriSanghi’ was born as a term to mock Christians aligning with Hindutva parties like the BJP. But proponents say their support is a response to perceived Muslim appeasement by both LDF and UDF

Kammi, Conghi and Sanghi : these words are so deeply embedded in Kerala’s political parlance that they are used liberally in everything from tea-shop debates to the battleground of social media comments. Their meanings are simple. A ‘Kammi’ is a blind follower of communism, just as a ‘Conghi’ is a Congress loyalist. ‘Sanghi’ refers to a follower of Sangh Parivar politics.

In recent years, however, another term has carved out a place in this politicallexicon: ‘ChriSanghi’, used to denote Christians in Kerala who align with BJP.

TOI

TOI

What explains the ‘ChriSanghi’ rise—and how far can it take the BJP in Kerala?

‘ChriSanghi’ was born as a term to mock Christians aligning with Hindutva parties like the BJP. But proponents say their support is a response to perceived Muslim appeasement by both LDF and UDF

{{{h1}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{{h3}}}

{{{offerprice}}}

{{{h3}}}

{{{offerprice}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{h2}}

{{{h1}}}

{{h2}}

{{{h1}}}

{{h2}}

Your Privacy is Important to us

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

TOI

What explains the ‘ChriSanghi’ rise—and how far can it take the BJP in Kerala?

‘ChriSanghi’ was born as a term to mock Christians aligning with Hindutva parties like the BJP. But proponents say their support is a response to perceived Muslim appeasement by both LDF and UDF

{{{h1}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{{h3}}}

{{{offerprice}}}

{{{h3}}}

{{{offerprice}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{h2}}

{{{h1}}}

{{h2}}

{{{h1}}}

{{h2}}