PM Modi in Kerala (ANI photo)
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday projected the BJP’s breakthrough in Kerala’s capital as the start of a larger political shift in the state, saying the party’s recent victory in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation reflected growing public confidence ahead of the assembly elections.Addressing a large BJP rally at the Putharikandam Maidan, PM Modi said the party’s rise in Kerala would mirror its early growth in Gujarat, where it began by winning control of a single city nearly four decades ago. He recalled that before 1987, the BJP was a marginal force in Gujarat and received little attention.
“In 1987, for the first time, the BJP won control of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, much like the party’s recent victory in Thiruvananthapuram. Since then, the people of Gujarat have entrusted us with the opportunity to serve, and we have continued to do so for decades,” PM Modi was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.“Our journey began in one city in Gujarat, and similarly, in Kerala, our beginnings have started with a single city. I believe this demonstrates that the people of Kerala are beginning to place their trust in the BJP, connecting with us in the same way Gujarat once did,” he added.Hits out at LDF-UDF ‘misrule’Calling the civic poll result a mandate for change, the prime minister said the win reflected public resolve to free the state from what he described as years of misgovernance by the LDF and the UDF. He alleged that both fronts had ignored Thiruvananthapuram for decades, leaving the capital short of basic amenities and infrastructure.“The Left and the Congress have consistently failed to address the needs of our people. However, our BJP team has already begun working towards a developed Thiruvananthapuram. To the people of the city, I say — have faith, the change that has long been overdue is finally on its way,” Modi said.“Thiruvananthapuram, for the entire country, will become a model city. I extend my full support to make Thiruvananthapuram one of the best cities in India,” he said.PM Modi is in Kerala to inaugurate multiple development projects and flag off new train services as the state heads into Assembly elections later this year.The Prime Minister emphasized that Thiruvananthapuram will now serve as a model city for the rest of the country.“To the people of this city, I say, have faith. Thiruvananthapuram, for the entire country, will become a model city. I extend my full support to make Thiruvananthapuram one of the best cities in India,” he added.The Prime Minister also discussed Kerala’s broader political scenario ahead of the upcoming elections.“When considering the future of Kerala, the political landscape is divided into just two predominant sides, the LDF and the UDF. Over the years, both groups have taken turns governing the state, contributing to Kerala’s current challenges. However, there is a third alternative–one that prioritizes development and good governance–represented by the BJP and NDA,” he said.On the Sabarimala gold theftReferring to the Sabarimala gold theft case, PM Modi said a BJP government would ensure those behind the gold theft were jailed, calling it “Modi’s guarantee”.“If BJP forms govt in Kerala, Sabarimala gold loss will be examined, culprits will be jailed; this is Modi’s guarantee,” the Prime Minister said.Earlier, the PM launched various developmental projects and flagged off new train services in the state, and said that a new realization has emerged among the people about the Centre’s efforts for the coastal state’s development.Speaking after launching the projects and flagging off the trains, PM Modi said the day marks a new momentum in the development of Kerala, driven by the efforts of the central government.He said that rail connectivity has been further strengthened and the launched projects will help to transform Thiruvananthapuram into a major hub in the country.The Prime Minister flagged off three Amrit Bharat Express trains and a Thrissur-Guruvayur passenger train which will help to enhance regional rail connectivity between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.In addition, he laid the foundation stone for a CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub here and launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card– a UPI-linked, interest-free revolving credit facility.PM Modi also disbursed loan amounts and credit cards to several beneficiaries under the PM SVANidhi scheme.He said that the scheme was aimed at the welfare of the poor across Kerala and the nation.Besides these, he laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Radiosurgery Center at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology in the city and inaugurated the new Poojappura Head Post Office.
