In a rally held in Kozhikode, BJP President JP Nadda criticised the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), alleging them to be synonymous with corruption. The rally was part of the election campaign for BJP candidate MT Ramesh, who is contesting from the Kozhikode parliamentary constituency against Congress leader MK Raghavan and CPM senior leader Elamaram Kareem.
Nadda claimed that Kerala lacks democracy and is plagued by financial corruption and autocracy. He accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family of being deeply involved in corruption. Nadda highlighted the collaboration between the LDF and UDF in Delhi despite their rivalry in Kerala. He asserted that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is committed to fighting corruption, contrasting it with what he perceives as a lack of integrity within the I.N.D.I alliance and Congress.
Nadda’s remarks underscore the BJP’s stance against corruption and its support for their candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections in Kozhikode.
He emphasised the importance of Kerala’s participation in India’s development under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He rallied the crowd, asking if they were prepared to contribute, to which they responded affirmatively.
Nadda highlighted India’s economic progress under PM Modi’s tenure, citing its rise from the 11th to the 5th position globally. He praised India’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, asserting its resilience compared to other nations. Additionally, Nadda mentioned India’s achievements in the automobile industry, pharmaceutical distribution, and the shift towards domestically manufactured goods. He underscored PM Modi’s initiatives supporting women, youth, farmers, and marginalised communities, including the provision of essential amenities like cooking gas, toilets, housing, electricity, and insurance.
BJP President JP Nadda rallied supporters in Kozhikode, expressing confidence in Bharat’s rise as the third economic power by 2028 under PM Modi’s leadership. He urged the people of “God’s Own Country” to collaborate with PM Modi, with Kozhikode supporting MT Ramesh in this endeavor.
The anticipation was palpable as the people of Kozhikode eagerly awaited Nadda’s arrival, adorning the streets with party flags and colorful balloons. The atmosphere was further enlivened by drums and bands, enhancing the grandeur of the roadshow.
Kozhikode has long been a bastion of the Jan Sangh and BJP, with significant milestones such as the establishment of the first RSS Sakha of Malabar in 1942 by late Dattopant Thengadi. Memorable events like the Jan Sangh national conference in 1967, where Deen Dayal Upadhyay was elected party president, and the BJP’s national conference in 2016, attended by PM Modi, underscore the city’s political significance.
MT Ramesh, a prominent figure in Kerala politics, has a rich background as an ABVP worker, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha state president, and currently, the BJP state general secretary. In contrast, sitting MP Raghavan faces criticism for perceived non-performance, while CPM’s candidate, Kareem, has encountered allegations during his ministerial tenure in the LDF Ministry. Observers anticipate Ramesh’s success in the upcoming elections based on these factors.
