Prime Minister Narendra Modi electrified the state on April 4 with roadshows and public meetings in Tiruvilla and Tiruvananthapuram. It was Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s turn on April 5.
Shah reached Kozhikode late in the morning and led an impressive and colourful roadshow in Beypore as part of the election campaign for BJP youth leader Adv. K.P. Prakashbabu. Thousands of people lined both sides of the roads to catch a glimpse of the Home Minister. The constituency is witnessing a keen triangular contest.
High-Profile Electoral Contest
The significance of the contest lies in the profile of the candidates. Prakashbabu is a young yet prominent BJP leader in the Malabar region. P.A. Mohammed Riaz, contesting on behalf of the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), is a state minister and the son-in-law of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has fielded P.V. Anvar of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), who was earlier an LDF-supported Independent MLA but later resigned following differences with the CPM.
Kunnathunadu Visit and NDA Expansion
After the Kozhikode roadshow, Shah flew to Kunnathunadu in Ernakulam district, where Babu Divakaran of the Twenty20 party is contesting as the NDA candidate. Leaders and candidates from neighbouring constituencies were also present on the dais. Industrialist and Twenty20 chief coordinator Sabu M. Jacob welcomed the gathering.
Shah began his speech by raising slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” offering pranams, and extending Easter greetings to the people of Kerala.
Attack on LDF and UDF
Shah asserted that the upcoming election is not merely about a change of government but about placing Kerala in capable hands under the NDA. He accused both LDF and UDF of corruption, stating that they have alternated in power without delivering meaningful governance.
He emphasised that despite Kerala’s high literacy rate, many educated youth are forced to migrate for employment, adding that they should be able to build their future within the state.
NDA’s Growth and Political Vision
Highlighting the NDA’s growth, Shah noted that its vote share in Kerala has steadily increased—from 14% in 2014 to 16% in 2019 and 20% in 2024. He expressed confidence that the NDA would come to power in the 2026 Assembly elections.
He also welcomed the Twenty20 party into the NDA fold, stating that its inclusion has strengthened the alliance’s base in the state.
Shah highlighted several central government initiatives, stating that ₹2,000 crore was allocated to Kochi under the Smart City scheme, ₹275 crore for Kochi Metro Phase II, and a ₹600 crore loan guarantee was provided by the Centre.
Reiterating the NDA’s guiding principle of “Justice to all, appeasement to none,” Shah spoke about the ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI) and the Waqf Amendment Bill.
He also referred to the Munambam land issue, alleging that around 600 Christian families were at risk of displacement and accusing both LDF and UDF of remaining silent.
Sharp Political Jibes
Shah described LDF and UDF as “two sides of the same coin,” alleging that while they contest separately in Keralam, they align politically outside the state.
Referring to remarks by Rahul Gandhi and Pinarayi Vijayan, Shah quipped that while both accuse each other of being BJP’s “B-Team,” they agree that BJP is the “A-Team.”
Criticism of Opposition Leadership
Shah criticised Rahul Gandhi’s statements on fuel prices and other issues, accusing him of making misleading claims. He also alleged that such remarks could harm India’s global interests.
Promises and Welfare Announcements
Shah announced several promises if the NDA comes to power in Kerala:
- Rs 2,500 monthly support for women from BPL families
- Establishment of Kerala’s first AIIMS within two years
- Two free LPG cylinders during Onam and Christmas
- CBI probe into the Sabarimala gold issue
- 20,000 litres of free water per household per month
- He also outlined development plans:
- Tiruvananthapuram as an IT hub
- Kollam as a blue economy hub
- Kochi as a healthcare hub
- Thrissur as a cultural tourism centre
- Kannur as a defence innovation hub
Shah concluded his speech with slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram.” Thousands of NDA workers and supporters attended the event, which significantly energised the electoral atmosphere in Ernakulam district.
Several national leaders have been actively campaigning in Kerala. Kiren Rijiju visited on April 4, while K. Annamalai led a roadshow in Idukki on April 5. Nirmala Sitharaman campaigned in Thrissur, and Smriti Irani led a roadshow in Ottappalam on April 3.
