Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is campaigning in Kerala for “Metro Man” E Sreedharan, described the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) as “just different in the name” and said their “match-fixing” was Kerala politics’ “worst kept secret.”
He also charged the LDF “For many years, the worst-kept secret of Kerala politics was the cosy deal between the UDF and the LDF, betraying Kerala for a few bits of gold” like Judas. What is this match-fixing, asks the first-time voter in Kerala? One loots for five years, while the other loots for five years “PM Modi said this while speaking at an election rally in Palakkad.
“Both have well-defined markets where they can make money. UDF hasn’t even spared the sun’s rays.”
E Sreedharan, the guy behind the Delhi Metro and many other prestigious schemes around the country, is running for the BJP in Palakkad. Though it is not official, BJP leaders in Kerala have pitched the 88-year-old as a potential Chief Ministerial candidate.
“‘Metroman’ Sreedharan Ji, a man respected by all parts of society for his work to modernize India and boost connectivity, has dedicated himself to Kerala’s growth. He thought beyond power as a true son of Kerala, and he stood firm in his loyalty to Kerala “On the renowned technocrat by his side, the PM said.
Mr. Sreedharan is the BJP’s most visible figure in Kerala; the party has previously been a minor player in the state, with poll results swinging between the Left-led coalition and the Congress-led coalition.
The Prime Minister, in a scathing attack on the LDF, pointed to the gold mining scandal involving Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s office. “LDF has betrayed Kerala for a few pieces of gold, just as Judas betrayed Lord Christ for a few pieces of silver,” PM Modi said.
According to him, Kerala politics has undergone a “huge change” as a result of the expectations of the youth, especially first-time voters in the state. “The LDF and UDF have frustrated Kerala’s first-time voters,” he said.
He said that Kerala’s youth and technical communities publicly endorsed the BJP due to its “forward-looking and aspirational” vision.
