PM Modi Launches NDA Campaign in Kerala with Strong Criticism of Congress
Prime Minister Narendra Modi set the BJP-led NDA's election campaign in motion during his visit to Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, delivering a speech that combined sharp political criticism with promises of transformative change for Kerala.
Historic Parallels and Political Transformation
Addressing enthusiastic party workers after a brief roadshow, Modi hard-sold the BJP's theme of "marathathu eni marum" (what has not changed will change). "Whenever I have visited Kerala, you have given me your love. But this time, I can see a new energy in you. This verve makes me believe that change will happen in Kerala," he declared to cheering supporters.
The Prime Minister drew significant parallels between the BJP's recent victory in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation and the party's breakthrough win in the Ahmedabad civic body in 1987. "Until 1987, BJP was not a significant force in Gujarat. For the first time in 1987, the party won the municipal corporation. People recognised our performance. Since then, the people of Gujarat have entrusted us with opportunities to serve the entire state and that still continues," Modi explained.
He emphasized that "BJP began its journey in Gujarat in one city. Similarly, our journey in Kerala has started with a city," referring to the party's historic win in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation that ended 45 years of Left rule.
Scathing Criticism of Opposition Parties
Modi launched a blistering attack on both the LDF and UDF, claiming they had "destroyed Kerala" through what he described as a cycle of corruption, mismanagement, and appeasement politics. "Their flags and symbols may be different, but their agenda is identical — corruption, lack of accountability and promotion of communalism," he asserted.
The Prime Minister reserved his harshest criticism for the Congress party, coining the term "MMC–Muslim Maoist Congress" to describe what he sees as their ideological positioning. In a particularly striking statement, Modi claimed that "Congress has become more hardline communists than the Maoists, and more communal than Muslim League."
Development Promises and Infrastructure Initiatives
During his 50-minute speech, Modi detailed various development projects and welfare schemes implemented by his government in Kerala, highlighting how the people of the state had benefited from them. He extended his full support to make Thiruvananthapuram "one of the best cities in India" and announced that "BJP has started to realize Vikasita Thiruvananthapuram."
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister participated in several infrastructure initiatives:
- Flagged off three Amrit Bharat Express trains
- Launched PM SVANidhi credit care program
- Inaugurated the disbursal of PM SVANidhi loans
- Laid the foundation stone for the CSIR–NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub in Thiruvananthapuram
Strong Commitments and Electoral Promises
Referring to the alleged gold theft at Sabarimala, Modi made a firm commitment: "if the BJP is voted to power in the state, all those behind the theft would be jailed. This is Modi's guarantee."
The Prime Minister emphasized that "a third front, the NDA, has now risen" in Kerala, challenging the traditional dominance of the LDF and UDF. He expressed confidence that "people of Kerala have started reposing their faith in the BJP" and that the upcoming election would "change the future of Kerala."
Modi's visit to Thiruvananthapuram marked the 27th day since the BJP assumed power in the corporation, fulfilling a campaign promise to bring the Prime Minister to the city within 45 days of winning the civic body elections.
