PM Modi in Kerala: Addresses Public, Flags Off Projects, Vows Action on Sabarimala Gold Theft
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, embarking on a significant visit that saw him inaugurate various central projects and address a public gathering. His arrival comes shortly after the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) recent electoral success in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.
The Prime Minister’s visit commenced with a grand roadshow from the airport to Putharikandam, where enthusiastic crowds and BJP workers lined the streets. The event included cultural performances, with Chendamelam and Kavadi adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Prime Minister Modi greeted the public from his vehicle, acknowledging the overwhelming support.
At the Putharikandam grounds, Prime Minister Modi flagged off three Amrit Bharat Express trains and one passenger train, including the Thrissur-Guruvayur passenger train, which he stated would facilitate easier pilgrimage. He also laid the foundation stone for the CSIR–NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub in Thiruvananthapuram’s Life Sciences Park, marking a significant step towards technological advancement in the region. Furthermore, the Prime Minister inaugurated the PM Svanidhi Credit Card scheme and distributed PM Svanidhi loans to one lakh beneficiaries, including approximately six hundred street vendors in Thiruvananthapuram, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting small businesses.
Addressing the public, Prime Minister Modi launched a scathing attack on both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala. He criticized the state government for being “enemies of the poor,” alleging their reluctance to implement central schemes like the second phase of PM Awas. Modi asserted that the LDF and UDF operate on a mutual understanding, stating, “You rule for five years, we will rule for the next five years… we will not trouble each other.” He further claimed that there is no difference between the two fronts except for the color of their flags and symbols, questioning the actual change brought by their successive administrations.
The Prime Minister also took a strong stance on the alleged Sabarimala gold theft, accusing the LDF government of consistently undermining the faith of Sabarimala devotees. He promised that if the BJP comes to power in Kerala, his government would investigate the allegations related to the Sabarimala gold theft, assuring that “all culprits will be jailed. This is Modi’s guarantee.”
Reflecting on the BJP’s growth, Prime Minister Modi drew parallels with the party’s journey in Gujarat. He recalled that before 1987, the BJP faced repeated defeats in Gujarat, with its breakthrough coming from the Ahmedabad Municipality in 1987. He expressed confidence that similar to Gujarat, the BJP in Kerala is now beginning its journey from a single city, stating, “Kerala has started believing in the BJP.”
The Prime Minister thanked the people of Thiruvananthapuram for electing the BJP to power in the Corporation, noting the new energy visible in everyone and asserting that Kerala too would change. His visit is seen as the unofficial commencement of the BJP’s campaign for the upcoming assembly elections in the state.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter) expressing his anticipation for the public meeting and the launch of development projects in Thiruvananthapuram. He noted the city’s historic decision in the recent corporation elections and stated that Kerala desires to break free from the “fixed match” between the LDF and UDF.
Security measures were tightened across Thiruvananthapuram, with significant traffic restrictions in place from morning until noon to ensure the smooth conduct of the Prime Minister’s visit and the associated events.