Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed the BJP’s historic victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, saying it marks the end of decades of neglect by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the beginning of a new era of development and good governance.
Prime Minister Modi also criticized both the fronts for promoting corruption and mismanagement.
Addressing a gathering in Kerala capital Thiruvananthapuram, Prime Minister Modi said, “Both LDF and UDF, in different ways, have pushed Kerala into the vicious cycle of corruption, mismanagement and appeasement politics.”
He said, “Even though they use different flags and symbols, their basic political strategy and agenda are almost the same: widespread corruption, lack of accountability and promoting divisive communalism. Both parties are well aware that their opportunity to come to power comes again every five years, yet the core issues remain unresolved.”
PM Modi further said, “For decades, both the LDF and the UDF have neglected Thiruvananthapuram, leaving the city deprived of basic amenities and infrastructure. Both the Left and the Congress have consistently failed to meet the needs of our people. However, our BJP team has started working towards a developed Thiruvananthapuram. To the people of this city, I want to say: Have faith – the change that was long awaited is finally coming.” It’s going to happen.”
Welcoming the victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation elections, he said, “This victory is a victory of good governance. This victory is a victory of the resolve to build a developed Kerala. This victory is a victory of the commitment of the LDF and UDF to free Kerala from corruption.”
Prime Minister Modi drew parallels between the BJP’s beginning in Kerala and its initial journey in Gujarat.
He said, “The Left groups here may not like me. But let me present the facts. Before 1987, the BJP was a marginal party in Gujarat. In 1987, the BJP won control of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation for the first time – just as the party has recently won in Thiruvananthapuram. Since then, the people of Gujarat have given us opportunities to serve, and we have been doing so for decades. Our visit to Gujarat Started from a city, and similarly, in Kerala too, we started from a city.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that Thiruvananthapuram will now serve as a model city for the rest of the country.
He further said, “I want to say to the people of this city, have faith. Thiruvananthapuram will become a model city for the entire country. I give my full support to make Thiruvananthapuram one of the best cities of India.”
The Prime Minister also discussed the broader political scenario of Kerala ahead of the upcoming elections.
He said, “When considering the future of Kerala, the political landscape is divided into two major parties: the LDF and the UDF. Over the years, both groups have ruled the state in turns, contributing to Kerala’s current challenges. However, there is also a third option – which prioritizes development and good governance – represented by the BJP and the NDA.”
Moreover, in an emotional moment, PM Modi also mentioned a child waiting to meet him.
He said, “I have seen a child standing with his hands raised for a long time. You will get tired. Bring me his photograph, write your address on the back, I will write you a letter. I request the SPG to send me the love of this child.”
Prime Minister Modi concluded his address by congratulating the voters of Thiruvananthapuram for reposing their trust in the BJP and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to providing development and good governance in the city.
This morning, Prime Minister Modi flagged off four new trains including three Amrit Bharat Express trains – Nagercoil-Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram.
He also laid the foundation stone of a new passenger train between Thiruvananthapuram-Charlapalli and Thrissur and Guruvayoor. Laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various development projects in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala.
Addressing a public meeting here before the start of assembly elections in Kerala, Prime Minister Modi used the traditional greeting “Namaskaram!” He started off with and wished his long-time friend and MP Rajesh who took oath as mayor in Thiruvanthuparam as the BJP won power in any corporation in Kerala for the first time in the city’s municipal elections.
Prime Minister Modi was honored in this program. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar were also present.
