Kerala polls: PM Modi says state choosing a 'new system', not govt

Ahead of the upcoming assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that Keralam is not just choosing a "new government" but also a "new system". He also urged the party workers to intensify grassroots outreach and said that "every Karyakarta in Keralam is Modi".

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While virtually addressing the party's booth workers in Keralam at "Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot Samvad" programme via the NaMo App, the Prime Minister asserted that the ongoing electoral battle in the state reflects a deeper political shift. "It is evident that this time, Keralam is not just choosing a new government, but also a new system. In this election, there is a wave of support for the BJP-NDA," PM Modi said.

Political dynamics changing post-Thiruvananthapuram win

The PM asserted that the political dynamics in the state are witnessing a change, saying that the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF) were targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ever since his party won the 2025 Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation election. "Thiruvananthapuram has set a new precedent. Until now, both the Left and the Congress believed they could alternate in power regardless of the misrule or misgovernance that occurred. However, Thiruvananthapuram has shattered that perception. As a result, the UDF and LDF are now focusing their attacks on the BJP rather than on each other," he said.

PM hits out at LDF-UDF over corruption, divisive politics

Taking a hit at the opposition alliances, PM Modi said, "The LDF and UDF are using fundamentalist forces to divide society according to their agendas. At the same time, they are exploiting our faith. How are they treating the devotees of Lord Ayyappa? Both the LDF and UDF are acting dishonestly concerning the gold there. They are also squandering your hard-earned money in cooperative banks. The people are watching all of this closely."

Accusing Congress and LDF of causing "divisions within society" in Keralam, PM Modi said that UDF and LDF are competing intensely for the support of hardline voters. "In Keralam, both the Congress and Communist parties are spreading communism and corruption, leading to widespread public dissatisfaction. Their actions are causing divisions within society. The UDF and LDF are competing intensely for the support of hardline voters," the PM said.

'Congress is now Maoist League Congress'

"It is evident that today's Congress is no longer guided by the principles of Gandhiji; instead, it has transformed into what can be described as the 'Maoist League Congress,'" he added.

Cricket analogy to motivate Karyakartas

Drawing an analogy with cricket, the Prime Minister referred to Indian cricketer Sanju Samson, stating, "It's cricket season, and the people of Keralam can take valuable lessons from the game. We often witness this in the performances of Sanju Samson. During the World Cup, as the tournament reached its crucial knockout stages, his performance peaked. From start to finish, his focus, confidence, and intensity only grew stronger--hallmarks of a true sportsman. A great player always delivers when his team needs him the most. Similarly, on voting day, our efforts to connect with every household must be even stronger. This is when your dedication matters most, and you may need to put in extra hours to ensure success."

A call to action: 'Every Karyakarta in Keralam is Modi'

He further urged party workers to intensify grassroots outreach, asking them to visit every household and encourage voters to give the BJP-NDA an opportunity. "You should visit every household and encourage them to give the BJP-NDA a chance by voting for us this time. The Congress and Communists have had 75 years to lead; ask people to grant just five years to the BJP-NDA. Confidently let them know that wherever our party workers have been given the opportunity, they have served the community diligently and effectively," he said.

Calling the party workers "Modi", the Prime Minister said, "To me, you are Modi. Every Karyakarta in Keralam is Modi."

The Prime Minister also spoke about youth aspirations, noting that many young people in Keralam feel compelled to seek opportunities outside the state and are now looking towards the BJP for development in infrastructure, startups, and industries.

Polling for the 2026 Keralam Legislative Assembly elections will be held on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4. The current Assembly's tenure ends on May 23. (ANI)