Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned up the heat in Kerala’s election campaign, taking aim at both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), while also trying to strike a cultural connection with voters.
At a rally and during a lively roadshow that drew large crowds, he said Kerala has been stuck choosing between the same two alliances for years. He argued that this back-and-forth has held the state back, accusing both fronts of corruption and ineffective governance.
Positioning the BJP as a fresh option, PM Modi called the party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) the “real A-team” in Kerala politics. He brushed aside the ongoing war of words between the LDF and UDF, where each labels the other as close to the BJP, saying people deserve a genuine alternative.
He also promised strong action against corruption if voted to power. According to Modi, cases linked to both current and former governments would be investigated, and any misused public funds would be recovered.
Adding a lighter, more relatable moment to his visit, he was seen playing the traditional Kerala drum, the chenda, at an event in Palakkad. The gesture drew cheers and smiles from the crowd, reflecting an effort to connect with the local culture beyond politics.
PM Modi also spoke about the concerns of Indians working in Gulf countries, assuring that their safety remains a priority. At the same time, he criticised certain remarks made by Congress leaders on the issue, calling them irresponsible.
The roadshow itself saw enthusiastic participation, with people lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister. The strong turnout highlighted the BJP’s push to expand its presence in a state where politics has long been dominated by the LDF and UDF.
As Kerala heads toward Assembly elections, the contest is shaping up to be more competitive.
