Following the release of the BJP's election manifesto brimming with promises, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proclaimed on Monday that the past decade under NDA rule served merely as a prelude, emphasizing that much more is yet to be accomplished for Kerala and the nation's advancement. He fervently appealed for the support of Kerala towards the BJP-led alliance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Speaking at an election rally organized by the NDA in Kunnamkulam, Modi took aim at Rahul Gandhi, presently campaigning in Kerala for the Lok Sabha elections. Modi criticized Gandhi for failing to secure his family's stronghold in Uttar Pradesh and remaining silent on the Karuvannur bank scandal.
"What transpired over the last 10 years was just a glimpse; there's a lot more in store for Kerala and India," Modi asserted.
He highlighted the forthcoming year as one of progress for Kerala, referencing the multitude of promises and development initiatives outlined in the BJP's manifesto, dubbed 'Modi ki Guarantee', unveiled the previous day.
Without directly naming Rahul Gandhi, Modi insinuated at the Congress scion's inability to uphold his family's legacy in Uttar Pradesh—referring to the loss of the Amethi LS constituency, a Congress stronghold for years—before seeking votes in Kerala.
Modi criticized the Congress for its tacit endorsement by the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), the political arm of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), alleging a clandestine agreement between the two parties.
Addressing the Karuvannur Cooperative Bank scandal, Modi accused the ruling CPI(M) in Kerala of embezzling funds and deceiving the public, asserting his government's commitment to recovering depositors' money.
He pledged assistance to those affected by the scam and highlighted the plight of depositors brought to his attention by BJP candidate T N Sarasu from the Alathur constituency.
Modi blamed both the UDF and LDF alliances for impeding progress in Kerala, likening the Left's governance to that in Tripura and West Bengal.
He criticized the Left Front for the deteriorating law and order situation in Kerala, citing instances of violence and political murders.
Expressing confidence in Kerala's representation in Parliament post-elections, Modi promised to initiate surveys for the introduction of bullet trains across North, East, and South India, facilitating regional development and job creation.
Over the next five years, Modi outlined plans to enhance Kerala's heritage globally by integrating it with national highways, expressways, and Vande Bharat train routes. He lauded Suresh Gopi, BJP's candidate from Thrissur, for his interest in Vande Bharat trains, promising to collaborate on implementation.
Modi attributed the BJP's governance to India's strengthened global stature, contrasting it with the Congress's purported weakening of India's image.
He emphasized the significance of the upcoming elections in shaping the future of the nation and its citizens.
Modi's visit marks his sixth to Kerala, with his most recent being on March 19 for a roadshow in Palakkad district. Prior visits in March included a public meeting in Pathanamthitta on March 15, rallying support for NDA candidates.
With elections to 20 Lok Sabha seats scheduled for April 26, political fervor continues to heighten in Kerala.
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