Pathanamthitta, Kerala: Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala is “completely supported” by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming there is a “hidden hand” of the BJP in the state’s elections.

Addressing a public meeting, he said the electoral contest in Kerala is between the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and a combined force of the LDF and BJP. “The BJP does not want the UDF to come to power because they know the only force challenging them nationally is the Congress,” he said.

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Gandhi further alleged that if the BJP remains in power at the Centre, any LDF government in Kerala would be “fully under their control.” He claimed that those who oppose the BJP face attacks and threats, adding that he himself has faced multiple cases. “There is no attack on the Chief Minister of Kerala by the BJP,” he said.

He also accused the LDF of failing to function as a true Left government, alleging it has a “corporate nature” and is backed by corporate funding. Raising local issues, Gandhi said the previous UDF government had supported rubber farmers, while the current LDF government had failed to provide compensation.

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The Congress leader further referred to international developments, alleging that legal action against the Adani Group in the United States indirectly targets Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also criticised Modi over the Jeffrey Epstein issue, claiming the Prime Minister avoided discussion in Parliament. Gandhi added that Modi had “surrendered” to Donald Trump, and similarly alleged that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had “surrendered” to Modi.

He emphasised that Kerala is a society rooted in coexistence and harmony.

Gandhi formally kicked off his campaign for the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections on Monday, departing from Delhi to address a series of public meetings across the state. He had earlier launched the UDF’s campaign in Kozhikode on March 25, focusing on governance, development, and welfare.

The campaign is expected to highlight the UDF’s “guarantee card” promises, targeting key constituencies and minority communities, as the state heads for a closely contested election.

On March 28, Gandhi met senior Congress leader K Sudhakaran and his family, along with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and MP K. C. Venugopal, ahead of the polls.

Kerala will vote in a single phase on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4. The tenure of the current Assembly ends on May 23. The election is being conducted under the Model Code of Conduct enforced by the Election Commission of India.

The Congress-led UDF is aiming to unseat the CPM-led LDF government, which has been in power for nearly a decade. Around 2.7 crore voters are expected to participate in the election.