‘I see a new ray of hope for Kerala’: PM Modi at Thiruvananthapuram Viksit Kerala campaign

Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Kerala is poised for a transformation while on outlining key initiatives of the state BJP’s “Viksit Kerala” campaign at Putharikandam Maidan on Friday.

Speaking at the event, Modi also highlighted the party’s priorities and addressed supporters gathered for the occasion.

Modi said, “This victory is a victory for good governance. This victory is a victory for the resolve to build a developed Kerala. This victory is a victory for the commitment to free Kerala from the corruption of the LDF and UDF.” 

“The left-leaning groups present here may not view me favourably. However, allow me to present the facts. Prior to 1987, the BJP was a marginal party in Gujarat. In 1987, for the first time, the BJP won control of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation--much like the party's recent victory in Thiruvananthapuram. Since then, the people of Gujarat have entrusted us with opportunities to serve, and we have continued to do so for decades. Our journey began in one city in Gujarat, and similarly, in Kerala, our beginnings have started with a single city,.” PM added.

PM Modi also criticised the two fronts for perpetuating corruption and mismanagement.

"Both the LDF and UDF have, in various ways, driven Kerala into a cycle of corruption, mismanagement, and appeasement politics. Though they may use different flags and symbols, their underlying political approach and agendas are virtually identical: rampant corruption, a lack of accountability, and the promotion of divisive communalism. Both parties are well aware that their opportunity to govern resurfaces every five years, yet the core issues remain unaddressed," PM Modi said as he addressed a gathering in Kerala's capital city, Thiruvananthapuram.

"For decades, both the LDF and UDF have neglected Thiruvananthapuram, depriving the city of basic facilities and infrastructure. The Left and the Congress have consistently failed to address the needs of our people. However, our BJP team has already begun working towards a developed Thiruvananthapuram. To the people of this city, I say: have faith- the change that has long been overdue is finally on its way,"

He also extended wishes in his speech. "I feel blessed to visit this land of Sree Padmanabha Swamy, Mahatma Ayyankali, Sree Narayana Guru and Mannathu Padmanabhan. Today is Basant Panchami and Saraswati Puja, during the Maha Magh Mahotsav. It is also Parakram Divas, dedicated to Subhas Chandra Bose. I extend my greetings on this occasion."

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, state president of the BJP Kerala, who was also present on the occasion, said,  "This is a crucial Assembly election. The state’s future, as well as the welfare of its children and citizens, depends on the outcome. This time, unemployment and the surge in commodity prices reflect the consequences of alternating LDF-UDF governance.”

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s road show in the Kerala capital as part of the BJP’s “Mission Kerala” campaign attracted large crowds of party workers and supporters. The procession saw supporters lining both sides of the route as the Prime Minister waved and greeted them.