Pathanamthitta

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that his silence on the Sabarimala issue during his recent Kerala visit reflects a tacit understanding between the BJP and the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF).

Addressing an election rally in Adoor in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, Gandhi claimed that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is effectively contesting against a combined force of the LDF and the Bharatiya Janata Party in the upcoming Assembly elections.

He argued that while the BJP positions itself as an ideological opponent of the Left, in practice the two sides do not challenge each other meaningfully. According to him, the Congress remains the only political force capable of confronting the BJP at the national level, which is why, he claimed, efforts are made to weaken it in states like Kerala.

Drawing an analogy, Gandhi referred to the concept of a “hidden hand” in economics, suggesting that a similar unseen alignment exists between the BJP and the LDF in the state’s political landscape.

The Congress leader also alleged selective political targeting by central agencies, claiming that opposition figures who actively challenge the BJP face investigations and legal pressure, while leaders of the Left Front do not encounter similar scrutiny despite facing allegations.

Turning to the Sabarimala issue, Gandhi criticised the prime minister for not raising the matter during his visit to the state, especially in a region closely associated with the Sabarimala Temple. He alleged that this silence was deliberate and intended to avoid political discomfort for the BJP.

According to Gandhi, the prime minister frequently speaks about religious issues in other contexts, but chose not to address concerns related to Sabarimala in Kerala. He claimed this demonstrated inconsistency and questioned the BJP’s commitment to issues it publicly emphasises.

Gandhi further accused the LDF government of straying from its ideological roots, alleging that its policies increasingly favour corporate interests, similar to those of the BJP at the national level. He contrasted this with the Congress’ past support for sectors such as rubber cultivation, stating that a UDF government would introduce measures to stabilise incomes and protect farmers from market fluctuations.

He also raised broader concerns about unemployment and the lack of industrial growth in Kerala, arguing that economic opportunities are limited and that wealth is increasingly concentrated among a few large corporate players.

Highlighting Kerala’s social fabric, Gandhi praised the state’s tradition of communal harmony and coexistence, saying its people set an example for the rest of the country in terms of unity and mutual respect.

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Reiterating the Congress’ electoral commitments, he said that the party’s “five guarantees” would be implemented if voted to power, and expressed confidence that the UDF would secure a clear mandate in the April 9 Assembly elections.