KOCHI : Sabu M. Jacob, the President of Twenty20 and Managing Director of Kitex, has issued a strong endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, stating that India only truly experienced development after the current government took office. Speaking at “The Twenty-20 Dialogue” during the Summit of Future at Jain University in Kochi, Jacob argued that the political narratives long promoted by the LDF and UDF in Kerala regarding the BJP were built on misinformation.
According to Jacob, the country’s international reputation has undergone a fundamental shift over the last decade. He noted that while India was previously viewed primarily as a poor nation, it has now established itself as a significant global power. He attributed this transformation directly to the policy shifts and governance that followed the 2014 change in leadership at the center.
Reflecting on his own entry into the political arena, Jacob explained that his decision was born out of necessity rather than ambition. He claimed that the traditional political fronts in Kerala had actively attempted to dismantle his business enterprises. He specifically criticized the conduct of state officials during raids on his establishments, alleging that they behaved like “thugs” and that such bureaucratic high-handedness remains the greatest threat to Kerala’s industrial sector.
The industrialist-turned-politician suggested that the primary challenge facing Kerala’s economy is no longer just labor unions, but a deeper culture of corruption and red tape maintained by politicians and officials. He contrasted this with the “Twenty20 model,” which he described as a scientific and disciplined approach to governance that has the potential to serve as a national blueprint for improving the quality of life at the grassroots level.
Jacob also remarked on the changing face of the National Democratic Alliance in Kerala, pointing to the influence of Rajeev Chandrasekhar as a sign of progress. Despite his alignment with the NDA, Jacob maintained during the session that religion should be kept separate from politics. This stance drew a challenge from the audience, with one participant pointing out the perceived contradiction between that philosophy and his current political alliance. The session, which was moderated by writer Ram Mohan Paliyath, concluded with Jacob reiterating that traditional parties in the state lack the long-term vision necessary to drive Kerala forward.
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