New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the people of Kerala are increasingly backing the BJP-led NDA, claiming that voters have grown disillusioned with what he described as the unfulfilled promises of both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF).

In a post on social media platform X, Modi expressed confidence in the party’s growing support across the state. He also said he was looking forward to engaging with party workers and citizens through the “Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot Samvad – Keralam” programme scheduled later in the day.

The remarks come ahead of the Kerala Legislative Assembly elections 2026, which will be held on April 9, with counting of votes set for May 4. The current assembly’s term ends on May 23.

Earlier this week, the Bharatiya Janata Party released its election manifesto for Kerala, outlining plans focused on economic growth, infrastructure development, and welfare initiatives.

The document envisions transforming key cities into specialised economic hubs. It proposes developing Thiruvananthapuram as an IT and innovation centre, Kochi as a shipbuilding hub, Kozhikode as a healthcare and medical innovation hub, Thrissur as a cultural tourism destination, Kollam as a major blue economy cluster, and Kannur as a defence innovation centre. These initiatives are aimed at boosting employment and investment.

On the welfare front, the party has proposed measures such as a “Bhakshya Arogya Suraksha” card for economically weaker women, offering monthly support for essential expenses. It has also promised to establish an AIIMS in the state and introduce a high-speed rail corridor connecting Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur.

Additional promises include providing two free LPG cylinders annually to poor households—during Onam and Christmas—and ensuring a monthly supply of 20,000 litres of free water to every household.

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The manifesto also addresses the management of major religious institutions, including Sabarimala Temple and Guruvayur Temple, proposing reforms through revamped Devaswom Boards. It further touches on the Mullaperiyar Dam issue, promising to balance Tamil Nadu’s water needs with Kerala’s safety concerns.