Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant impact during his third visit to Kerala in the last two months, addressing a massive election campaign meeting of the BJP in Pathanamthitta, Southern Kerala. The event, held on Friday, 15 March, garnered attention as Modi rallied support for the BJP ahead of the upcoming general elections.
During the gathering, Modi highlighted the party’s commitment to fielding young candidates, emphasizing the potential and determination of Anil Antony, who is contesting against sitting Congress MP Anto Antony and CPI(M) central committee member Dr TM Thomas Issac in Pathanamthitta. The constituency, notable for housing Sabarimala, a temple at the center of a gender entry controversy, saw Modi echoing chants of devotion to Lord Ayyappa, resonating with the sentiments of the gathered crowd.
The political landscape also witnessed Padmaja Venugopal, a former general secretary of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee and daughter of late Congress leader K Karunakaran, joining the BJP. Her move underscored growing discontent within the Congress ranks, as she alleged neglect by the party’s leadership.
Modi’s speech at the event focused on the BJP’s aspirations in Kerala, expressing confidence in securing double-digit representation in the Lok Sabha from the state. He criticized both the UDF and LDF alliances for their alleged mismanagement and corruption, promising a transformative change in governance if the BJP comes to power.
Highlighting the Union government’s achievements, Modi cited initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission, Kisan Samman Nidhi, and Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, showcasing the benefits received by the people of Kerala. The meeting also featured prominent NDA candidates such as V Muraleedharan, Sobha Surendran, and Baiju Kalasala, further solidifying the party’s campaign efforts in the region.
