Prime Minister Modi's Blistering Attack on Congress in Kerala Rally
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful political address in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, launching the BJP-led NDA's election campaign with sharp criticism of opposition parties and a vision for Kerala's transformation. The Prime Minister's visit marked a significant moment in Kerala's political landscape, coming exactly 27 days after the BJP assumed power in the Thiruvananthapuram municipal corporation.
Scathing Critique of Congress and Traditional Alliances
In his 50-minute speech, Modi launched his most direct attack on the Congress party, accusing it of adopting extreme positions that surpass even established radical groups. "Congress has become more hardline communists than the Maoists, and more communal than Muslim League," declared the Prime Minister, coining the term "MMC–Muslim Maoist Congress" to describe what he called the party's transformed ideology.
Modi extended his criticism to Kerala's traditional political fronts, stating that both the LDF and UDF 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, emphasizing that only the BJP could break this pattern.
Historical Parallels and Political Optimism
The Prime Minister drew significant parallels between the BJP's recent victory in Thiruvananthapuram corporation and the party's breakthrough in Gujarat decades earlier. "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," Modi recalled, suggesting that Kerala could witness similar political transformation.
Addressing enthusiastic party workers after a brief roadshow, Modi expressed confidence in the changing political winds of Kerala. "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 stated, promoting the BJP's campaign theme "marathathu eni marum" (what has not changed will change).
Development Promises and Governance Guarantees
Modi detailed numerous development initiatives and welfare schemes implemented by his government in Kerala, highlighting how state residents had benefited from central programs. He specifically addressed the alleged gold theft at Sabarimala, making 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's visit included several development-focused events:
- Flagging off three Amrit Bharat Express trains to enhance regional connectivity
- Launching the PM SVANidhi credit care initiative for street vendors
- Inaugurating the disbursal of PM SVANidhi loans to support small businesses
- Laying the foundation stone for the CSIR–NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub in Thiruvananthapuram
Vision for Kerala's Political Future
Modi positioned the BJP as the essential third force in Kerala's traditionally bipolar politics. "So far, the state had seen only two fronts — the LDF and the UDF — which had destroyed Kerala. A third front, the NDA, has now risen," he proclaimed, referencing the party's historic win in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation as evidence of growing public trust.
The Prime Minister extended his full support to transforming Thiruvananthapuram into one of India's premier cities, stating "BJP has started to realize Vikasita Thiruvananthapuram" (Developed Thiruvananthapuram). He emphasized that the upcoming elections would determine Kerala's future trajectory, urging voters to break from traditional political patterns and embrace what he described as genuine change through BJP governance.
Modi's rally represented both a celebration of recent political gains and a strategic positioning for upcoming electoral battles, combining sharp political rhetoric with development-oriented messaging to present the BJP as Kerala's emerging political alternative.
