THRISSUR (KERALA): Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged a covert partnership between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the BJP in Kerala, claiming the saffron party’s “hidden hand” is actively helping the LDF against the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
Addressing a well-attended public rally in Mala, Thrissur district, Gandhi asserted that the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections represent a direct contest between the UDF and an LDF-BJP combination. “The UDF is fighting against the LDF-BJP partnership,” he declared, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is supporting the LDF because it does not pose a national-level threat to the BJP, unlike the Congress.
Gandhi cited two key instances to substantiate his charge of collusion. He pointed out that Modi, who frequently invokes God, religion, and temples in his speeches, has remained completely silent on the gold theft scandal involving Left leaders at the Sabarimala temple. “In Kerala, he forgets everything because he does not want to harm the LDF,” Gandhi said.
He also referred to his own experience of facing prolonged interrogation and cases for opposing the RSS and BJP, contrasting it with the absence of similar action against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan or his family. “Why are there no such cases against the Kerala CM or his family?” he asked, framing it as evidence of an understanding between the LDF and BJP.
The Congress leader further accused the LDF of aligning with forces that “set fire to Manipur,” attacked nurses in Chhattisgarh, and divide the country along religious lines. “They are the same people who spread hatred and violence everywhere,” he remarked.
Gandhi strongly criticised the CPM’s “Who else?” billboard campaign featuring Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, calling it a reflection of arrogance. “The Kerala Chief Minister is not a God that he is the only person who can rule Kerala. There are many others as well,” he said. He equated this mindset with that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, describing it as “the height of arrogance” that the UDF is fighting against.
In the same vein, Gandhi expressed disapproval of how Modi treats senior BJP leaders, contrasting it with the Congress’s tradition of humble and respected leaders like K. Karunakaran, Oommen Chandy, and A.K. Antony. “That is the type of leadership we are proposing,” he added.
Turning to national issues, Gandhi criticised the Indo-US trade deal under Modi, alleging that it compromised India’s food and energy security by requiring US permission for oil imports and opening the agriculture sector to American farmers. He warned that ongoing conflicts in the Middle East would further strain India, leading to higher prices of petrol, diesel, and LPG, along with fertiliser shortages.
To counter the ruling alliance, Gandhi announced five key guarantees for the people of Kerala if the UDF comes to power:
Free bus travel for women on KSRTC buses
₹1,000 monthly financial assistance for every college- and university-going girl
₹3,000 monthly old-age pension, along with a dedicated Ministry for Senior Citizens
₹25 lakh health insurance cover for every family (named after Oommen Chandy)
Interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh for youth to start their own businesses
The senior Congress leader also praised Kerala’s unique heritage, noting that Saint Thomas first landed here, the first mosque in India was built in the state, and it is home to many historic temples. “Kerala reflects the historical tradition of unity and harmony in diversity,” he said, while lauding the compassion and warmth of its people.
The rally comes as the campaign for the Kerala Assembly elections enters a crucial phase, with the UDF seeking to position itself as the alternative to the ruling LDF.