Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi, Congress candidate from Wayanad, on Monday, suggesting indirectly that Gandhi is seeking assistance from the political wing of a banned organisation to win this election, perhaps to compensate for losing his family seat in Uttar Pradesh during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

While addressing a public gathering in Kerala’s Alathur constituency, he said, “A big leader of Congress has found it difficult to save the respect of his family seat in Uttar Pradesh and has made his new base in Kerala. To win the elections, Congress has entered into a backdoor agreement with the political wing of an organization which has been banned in the country for its anti-national tendencies. Have you ever heard this from them?”

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PM Modi didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Congress, questioning their silence on critical issues such as the Cooperative bank scam. He accused them of sidestepping accountability and failing to address the concerns of the people, particularly in Kerala. Turning his attention to the state government, Modi slammed the Pinarayi Vijayan governance for its inability to tackle water scarcity effectively. He attributed the problem to governmental inefficiency and corruption, highlighting the stark contrast between the NDA government’s proactive approach and the shortcomings of the state leadership.

Highlighting the NDA government’s commitment to the welfare of the poor, the prime minister stated, ” NDA prioritises the welfare of the poor and the people. Hence in the last 10 years, the NDA government has given piped water connection to more than 36 lakh households in Kerala under the Jal Jeevan Mission. However, it is unfortunate that the speed at which the Nal Se Jal scheme was implemented in the country, the government in Kerala is not allowing it to be implemented. It is under the influence of corruption. Hence, there is drinking water scarcity even in some houses in Kerala.”

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Continuing his criticism of the Left Democratic Front government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi further said, “If anyone in India hears that there is water scarcity in Rajasthan or Gujarat, they may think that it is possible. Water scarcity in Kerala is a living example of the failure of the government here. I guarantee that I want to provide tap water connection to every household in Kerala.”

PM Modi outlined the BJP’s ambitious vision for Kerala’s development and heritage preservation, asserting plans to elevate the state into a global heritage destination by enhancing infrastructure and connectivity, including the establishment of a network of highways, expressways, and high-speed Vande Bharat trains.

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Responding to the BJP’s manifesto, PM Modi underscored its commitment to national development, stressing that it carries his personal guarantee. He announced the party’s initiative to extend coverage under the Ayushman Bharat scheme to all senior citizens above the age of 70, ensuring free medical treatment for them.

Extending his best wishes to the people of Kerala on the occasion of Vishu (Kerala New Year), PM Modi expressed, “Seeing the support and love of all of you, I can confidently say that this New Year of Kerala has brought a new beginning. This New Year will be the year of development of Kerala, and this new year will be the year of the beginning of new politics.”

PM Modi’s presence at the election campaign for NDA candidates TN Sarasu and Suresh Gopi in Alathur and Thrissur marked his sixth visit to the state this year. Following the event, he proceeded to Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu to address another public gathering later in the evening.

Notably, in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP fielded actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi from Thrissur, significantly increasing its vote share compared to the previous elections. All 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala are set to go to the polls in the second phase on April 16.