“Ellavarkkum namaskaram!” (greetings to everyone), a phrase many leaders from Maharashtra may soon begin their speeches with as the BJP deploys them to campaign in Kerala, with translators accompanying them to bridge the language barrier.

The BJP has deployed translators and linguistic experts from its South Indian Cell to assist leaders from the state while addressing meetings and rallies. According to party leaders, office-bearers from Maharashtra have been assigned organisational responsibilities in different parts of Kerala.