Palakkad: Amplifying the BJP's campaign pitch in Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a massive rally at Kotta Maithanam in Palakkad, sharply criticised both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF), accusing them of engaging in "adjustment politics" and failing the state through decades of governance.

Speaking before thousands of party workers, Modi framed the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as the only credible political alternative in Kerala. He pointed to what he described as a contradictory narrative between the Congress and the Communists. "The Communists say the Congress is the BJP's 'B team', while the Congress alleges the same about the Left. In reality, the only 'A team' in Kerala is the BJP," he said, positioning his party as the sole force capable of breaking the long-standing political cycle.

The Prime Minister alleged that both the LDF and UDF have perpetuated "negative politics" in the state. He accused successive governments of corruption, claiming that public funds were misused regardless of which front was in power. According to him, both alliances function as "practical partners" despite their public rivalry, united by a shared concern that an NDA government would investigate and expose corruption.

Modi also criticised what he termed "vote bank politics" practised by both fronts and raised questions about their political conduct at the national level. Referring to alliances in other states, he noted that Congress and Left parties collaborate under broader coalitions but present themselves as adversaries in Kerala, which he argued was misleading voters.

Expanding his critique, Modi pointed to governance issues in states ruled by Congress and Left parties, citing economic challenges as evidence of what he described as their ineffective models. He asserted that people in Kerala are increasingly recognising these patterns and are looking for a political shift.

Highlighting development as a central campaign theme, Modi reiterated the NDA’s slogan in Malayalam, "Marathathu Marum… Ini Keralam Valarum" (Change will come… Now Kerala will grow). He claimed that the Union government has significantly increased financial allocations to Kerala—"five times more" compared to previous Congress-led administrations—across sectors such as urban development, infrastructure, railways, housing, and water supply schemes. However, he alleged that the state government had failed to implement these projects effectively.

The Prime Minister also raised concerns over Kerala's financial situation, stating that the state’s debt has reached around ₹5 lakh crore and has tripled over the past decade. He questioned the utilisation of these funds, alleging mismanagement and corruption within the ruling establishment.

Addressing broader socio-economic issues, Modi pointed to Kerala’s human resource potential and natural advantages, including agriculture, coastline, and tourism. However, he expressed concern over rising migration among youth, attributing it to a lack of employment opportunities within the state.

Focusing on Palakkad, Modi criticised both Left and Congress representatives for allegedly neglecting development despite long tenures. He credited the Centre with bringing projects such as an IIT, railway development, and infrastructure improvements to the region.

Without naming individuals directly, he also alluded to recent controversies involving Congress leaders Rahul Mankootathil MLA and Prashob Valsan in the constituency, warning voters to be cautious. At the same time, he highlighted the Centre’s initiatives on women’s empowerment and emphasised efforts to ensure the safety of Indians, including Malayalis, in conflict-affected regions abroad.

Modi began his speech with a Malayalam greeting and invoked local cultural and religious references, including offering respects to the deity at the Kalpathy Vishalakshi temple . He pointed to the large turnout at the rally as a sign of growing support for the NDA in Kerala, particularly among youth, women, and farmers.

The Prime Minister arrived in Palakkad around 2 pm and held a roadshow en route to the venue before addressing the gathering. After the event, he departed by helicopter to Thrissur for another campaign programme, underscoring the BJP’s intensified outreach in the state ahead of the elections.

Roadshow in Thrissur
Narendra Modi held a roadshow in Thrissur on Sunday evening. Union Minister and MP Suresh Gopi, along with NDA candidate for the Assembly polls in Thrissur, Padmaja Venugopal, accompanied him.

Large crowds gathered along both sides of the route for a glimpse of the Prime Minister, who greeted them by waving as the convoy passed. The roadshow began near the district hospital, moved through Swaraj Round, and concluded around 5.15 pm. People of all ages, including children, turned up in large numbers, raising slogans and adding to the charged atmosphere.