Modi Confident of BJP-NDA Victory in Kerala Assembly Elections
Prime Minister Modi's Optimism for Kerala
On April 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his belief that the BJP-NDA will form a government in Kerala following the upcoming assembly elections. Speaking at a rally in Thiruvalla, he highlighted the strong support he has received from the public, particularly women. Modi noted that while he has visited Kerala before, this time the winds of change are blowing in a new direction. He stated that significant transformation is imminent in Kerala, with voting scheduled for April 9 and the end of decades of misgovernance expected to be declared on May 4. The countdown for the exit of the LDF government has officially begun, marking the first time the BJP-NDA will take power in the state.
Crowd Support and Development Promises
Modi referred to the large crowd he witnessed on his way to the rally, stating that there was a significant turnout along the entire route to the venue. While the left-wing parties speak of human chains, the people of Kerala have demonstrated their love for the NDA by forming a human wall. He pointed out that except for one state in the Northeast, the BJP-NDA has been in power elsewhere, accomplishing what had not been achieved in the last 50-60 years. He cited Goa as an example, where the BJP-NDA government has consistently been in power, leading to new heights of development. Modi assured that if the NDA government is established in Kerala, it will also reach new developmental milestones, addressing every issue faced by local farmers and fishermen.
Personal Sacrifices for Kerala's Benefit
The Prime Minister acknowledged that while the election may personally cost him, it will ultimately benefit Kerala. He praised NDA candidate Anoop for his unwavering dedication over the past five years, describing him as a reliable, honest, and hardworking ally. Modi emphasized the need for Kerala to benefit from the energy and service of this young leader, entrusting Anoop to the people of Kerala. He criticized the LDF and UDF governments for neglecting the region, pointing out the poor condition of local roads, the lack of new bridges, and the alarming state of medical colleges, all of which have severely impacted the quality of life.
Increased Funding and Infrastructure Development
Modi highlighted that during the tenure of the LDF and UDF, Kerala received minimal funding. In contrast, the current Modi government has allocated five times more resources to the state. He mentioned that the Sabarmala railway project will open new opportunities across the region and establish direct contact with pilgrims, boosting local businesses and creating job opportunities for youth. However, he noted that the state government has consistently obstructed this project. Modi assured that once the BJP's double-engine government is in place in Kerala, these obstacles will be removed, leading to accelerated development.
Empowering Women Through NDA Policies
Modi stated that women are the group that will benefit the most from NDA policies, emphasizing that women's empowerment is a priority. The government has worked to address challenges at every level of women's lives, from building toilets and opening bank accounts to providing homes in their names and promoting entrepreneurship through microloans. Support for women's self-help groups has also been a focus, with the Lakhpati Didi program yielding impressive results. The goal is to create an additional 3 million Lakhpati Didis, and if the BJP forms the government in Kerala, women will be the primary beneficiaries.