Priyanka Gandhi Lambasts Kerala Government, Appeals for Change in Elections
In a fiery address at a public meeting in Thiruvananthapuram, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi launched a scathing critique against the current political leadership in Kerala and across India. She asserted that the nation is being governed by compromised and cowardly politicians, urging the people of Kerala to make a decisive choice in the upcoming elections by selecting leaders with a clear vision for the future.
Accusations of Compromise and Cowardice
Speaking on Thursday to campaign for 11 Congress candidates, Gandhi did not mince words. "Whether it is in Kerala or all India, we are being ruled by cowards," she declared. She specifically targeted Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging that he bows to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to safeguard his own position, while Modi, in turn, submits to the United States and Israel for self-protection. Gandhi further claimed that the state's ruling party is solely focused on retaining power, secretly collaborating with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) behind the scenes.
Highlighting Governance Failures and Public Struggles
Gandhi painted a grim picture of governance in Kerala over the past decade, describing it as arrogant and unresponsive. She pointed to the prolonged protests by ASHA workers, who she said were ignored for months, as a stark example of this disconnect. "Nothing is done to modernise the fishing community," she lamented, noting that ports are being taken over by big businessmen instead of supporting local livelihoods.
She detailed the hardships faced by various sections of society:
- Farmers, fishermen, and tribespeople: All are struggling under current policies.
- Nurses: Many from Kerala can only secure intern positions in Delhi, with limited job opportunities back home.
- Expatriate workers: Baggage handlers in Middle East airports express a desire to work in Kerala but find no jobs available, forcing them to stay abroad to send remittances.
- Ginger farmers in Wayanad: Prefer cultivating in Karnataka due to lack of support from the Kerala government.
Gandhi also highlighted rising LPG prices and criticized leaders for lacking compassion and being disconnected from daily struggles, such as raising children and ensuring safety, particularly for women. "This is not the great democratic tradition of Kerala," she emphasized.
Call to Uphold Kerala's Democratic Legacy
Praising Kerala as a jewel with a rich culture of awareness and accountability, Gandhi urged voters to reclaim this heritage. "You have a tradition of accountability, answerability, and responsibility of duty. So, it's been 10 years without the responsibility," she stated. She framed the election not as a routine political event but as a crucial opportunity to restore true democratic rule in the state, urging people to elect leaders who are responsible and attentive to their future needs.
