Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a dig at the Congress and Communist parties, highlighting the paradoxical nature of their relationship.
While they are arch-rivals in Kerala, their alliance flourishes in other states, forming what PM Modi humorously termed a "BFFs - Best Friends Forever" alliance.
Addressing the conclusion ceremony of the BJP state unit's padayatra at the Central Stadium, PM Modi criticised the opposition for lacking a coherent roadmap for the nation's progress. He suggested that the lack of confidence in winning the upcoming Lok Sabha polls led opposition leaders to resort to abusing him.
"The Congress and the Communists are each other's enemies in Kerala, but in other states, they are BFFs. BFFs mean best friends forever," remarked PM Modi.
He highlighted the irony of the situation, citing instances where the Congress accused the Communist Chief Minister of corruption and scams, while the Communists labeled the Congress as fascist. However, at INDIA alliance meetings outside Kerala, they sit together, enjoying samosas, biscuits, and tea, as per PM Modi's observation.
PM Modi underscored the incongruity, stating, "So in Thiruvananthapuram, they say one thing, and in Delhi, they say something else. The people of Kerala will answer this betrayal in the coming LS polls."
Taking a swipe at the Congress, PM Modi alleged that the party's track record demonstrates its aim to keep the country under the control of one family for decades. He added that the Communists are displaying similar tendencies. In a veiled reference to Rahul Gandhi, Modi mentioned the Communists advising the Congress to keep its 'Yuvraj' (prince) out of Kerala.
During his speech, PM Modi urged the people of Kerala to bless the BJP with seats in double digits in the 2024 LS polls. Emphasising that the BJP views every state without a vote bank perspective, he guaranteed efforts to help Kerala achieve its dreams and expectations.
Responding to allegations of discrimination against Kerala by the Left government, PM Modi asserted that the BJP has consistently worked to empower Kerala, regardless of its political strength in the state. He highlighted the development benefits reaped by Kerala over the past 10 years, despite alleged non-cooperation by the state government.
PM Modi concluded by expressing confidence in India becoming the world's third-largest economy in his third term, pledging to eradicate poverty and corruption. He outlined plans for educational development in Kerala and reiterated the BJP's commitment to progress for every citizen in their third term.