Tiruvalla (Kerala), April 4 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the days of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala are “numbered”, using a high-voltage NDA rally in Tiruvalla to pitch a decisive political shift in the state.
PM Modi arrived in Kochi earlier in the day and flew by helicopter to Changanassery before travelling about eight km by road to Tiruvalla, where he addressed a mammoth gathering.
Large crowds lined both sides of the route, reflecting what BJP leaders described as growing momentum for the NDA in central Kerala.
Opening his speech with prayers to Lord Ayyappa, the Prime Minister switched to Malayalam to connect with the audience and asserted that Kerala’s development journey would begin from Tiruvalla.
He formally projected Anup Antony as the NDA’s face in the constituency, expressing confidence in his victory and noting their long association.
The Prime Minister said his recent interactions with grassroots workers in Kerala indicated that voters are ready to “bid farewell” to the ruling LDF.
He also targeted both the LDF and the United Democratic Front (UDF), accusing them of alternating in power without delivering meaningful development.
Citing gaps in infrastructure, he pointed to shortcomings at Kottayam Medical College and flagged the need for better roads and bridges across the state.
PM Modi argued that Kerala had received significantly higher Central allocations under his government compared to the Congress-led regime at the Centre.
He promised that a BJP-led government in the state would unlock the benefits of a “double-engine” administration, accelerating infrastructure and welfare initiatives.
Highlighting ongoing and proposed projects, PM Modi said stalled national highway works had gained pace and noted the operation of Vande Bharat Express services through Kottayam.
He also underscored the potential of the Sabarimala airport project, alleging delays due to the state government.
If voted to power, the NDA would fast-track such projects and usher in a “new era of development” in Kerala, PM Modi said, terming it his “guarantee”.
–IANS
sg/pgh