On Tuesday, March 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a roadshow in Kerala’s Palakkad district, marking another significant engagement in his electoral campaign ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The roadshow commenced shortly after 10:45 am, starting from Kottamaidan anchuvilakku and progressing towards the head post office in the town. This event drew considerable attention, especially after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized a bike rally in the town the previous evening in anticipation of Modi’s visit. This roadshow in Palakkad followed Modi’s recent participation at a public meeting in Pathanamthitta town on March 15, where he energetically rallied support for National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidates contesting in southern Kerala constituencies.
Addressing the enthusiastic gathering in Pathanamthitta, Modi exuded confidence in the NDA’s electoral prospects, boldly proclaiming, “The Lotus is going to bloom in Kerala” in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. In his characteristic style, Modi launched scathing attacks on both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), alleging widespread corruption and incompetence in their governance. Modi highlighted the paradoxical relationship between LDF and UDF, characterized by apparent conflict in Kerala while maintaining political alliances in Delhi. He accused both parties of deceiving the people of Kerala, asserting that the populace has grown disillusioned with their manipulative politics.
Modi’s frequent visits to the southern state of Kerala this year underscore the strategic significance accorded to the region by the BJP. In addition to political engagements, Modi has also made a point to visit renowned temples in Kerala, a move aimed at resonating with the state’s religious sentiments and cultural heritage.
Prior to his roadshow in Palakkad, Prime Minister Modi undertook a whirlwind tour that included visits to Karnataka’s Shivamogga and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu on Monday. In Shivamogga, Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led government in Karnataka, accusing its leaders of spreading falsehoods and incompetence. He rallied for the complete eradication of the Congress from the state’s political landscape in the upcoming general elections.
In Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Modi paid homage to the victims of the 1998 blasts by offering floral tributes to their portraits. This solemn gesture was made during Modi’s roadshow in the city, which commenced near the Saibaba temple in Mettupalayam Road and concluded at RS Puram.
Overall, Modi’s engagements in Palakkad, Shivamogga, and Coimbatore underscore the BJP’s concerted efforts to consolidate support in Southern India, particularly in states like Kerala where the party aims to make significant electoral inroads. The Prime Minister’s assertive speeches, strategic engagements, and symbolic gestures reflect the BJP’s determination to challenge the traditional political dynamics in the region and emerge as a formidable force in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
