Thiruvananthapuram Civic Win Signals BJP’s Kerala Breakthrough: PM Modi

• PM Modi attacks LDF-UDF, accuses both of corruption and governance failure

• Says BJP’s journey in Kerala begins like Gujarat’s rise from municipal politics

• Promises probe into Sabarimala gold issue if BJP comes to power

• BJP forms its first-ever municipal corporation government in Kerala

 

GG News Bureau
Thiruvananthapuram |23 Jan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday described the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation as a historic milestone, saying it marked the beginning of a new political and developmental phase in Kerala.

Addressing a public gathering in the State capital, PM Modi said the mandate reflected people’s growing desire for development-focused and accountable governance, breaking away from decades of alternating rule by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF).

Attack on LDF and UDF Governance

The Prime Minister launched a sharp critique of both political fronts, alleging that despite projecting ideological differences, their governance record remained largely similar.

“Different flags, different slogans, but the same politics—corruption, mismanagement and lack of accountability,” PM Modi said, accusing both alliances of failing to resolve Kerala’s long-standing challenges.

He claimed that corruption and appeasement politics had weakened institutions and slowed development across the State.

Focus on Thiruvananthapuram’s Development

PM Modi said Thiruvananthapuram had suffered prolonged neglect in infrastructure and civic facilities under previous administrations. He added that the newly elected BJP-led municipal body had already begun efforts to transform the city.

“For decades, the capital was ignored. Now work has started to build a developed, modern city. The change that was long overdue has finally begun,” he said.

Gujarat Parallel and BJP’s Expansion Plan

Drawing a parallel with Gujarat, the Prime Minister recalled that the BJP’s political journey there had also begun with a municipal corporation victory before expanding statewide.

“Before 1987, BJP was limited in Gujarat. Our first breakthrough came through municipal governance. Kerala’s journey is beginning in the same way—with Thiruvananthapuram,” he said.

He positioned the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as a third alternative to the LDF and UDF, stating that Kerala had remained stuck in a two-front system for decades.

Sabarimala and Gold Theft Allegations

PM Modi also targeted the LDF government over the Sabarimala issue, alleging that temple traditions had been harmed and faith sentiments ignored.

He promised a thorough investigation into the alleged gold misappropriation linked to the Sabarimala temple if the BJP formed the government in Kerala.

“The entire nation has faith in Lord Ayyappa. If BJP comes to power, those responsible for wrongdoing will be punished,” he said.

The case involves alleged misappropriation of approximately 4.54 kilograms of gold during temple renovation work in 2019, linked to earlier donations made in 1998. Subsequent inspections reportedly revealed discrepancies in material usage.

Allegations of Financial Mismanagement

The Prime Minister further alleged that corruption under the LDF had affected cooperative banks and financial institutions, claiming that the savings of ordinary citizens had been misused.

“Money belonging to the poor and middle class has been looted. We will ensure accountability and recover every rupee,” he said.

Historic First for BJP in Kerala

The BJP made history on December 26 when party leader VV Rajesh was elected Mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, marking the party’s first control of a municipal corporation in Kerala.

Rajesh secured 51 votes, while UDF candidate KS Sabarinathan received 17 votes and LDF’s RP Shivaji got 29 votes. GS Asha Nath was elected Deputy Mayor.

Development Projects Launched

Earlier in the day, PM Modi flagged off four new train services, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains, inaugurated multiple development projects, and laid foundation stones for upcoming infrastructure initiatives in Thiruvananthapuram.