PM Modi Vows to Shield India from Middle East War Fallout, Criticizes Congress
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing an NDA election rally in Palakkad, Kerala, on Sunday, emphasized the Centre's efforts to minimize the impact of the ongoing Middle East war on India. He asserted that the safety of Indian citizens in conflict-affected regions remains the government's top priority, while launching a sharp attack on the Congress party for what he termed "dangerous" statements made for "political gains."
Government's Proactive Measures in Conflict Zones
PM Modi highlighted that the government is closely monitoring the Middle East conflict, given the substantial number of Indians, including many from Kerala, working in the Gulf and other impacted areas. "At this time, everyone's attention is on the war going on in the Middle East. Our government is continuously working to ensure that its impact on India is minimal," he stated.
He added that protecting Indian citizens is the foremost concern of the BJP-led NDA government. Since the war began, PM Modi has been in constant touch with leaders of affected countries, and Indian missions are operating round-the-clock to assist citizens. "All nations are giving priority to the safety of Indians stranded in the conflict zones. To ensure that our brothers and sisters there do not face any hardship, Indian embassies are also working day and night," he explained.
Congress Accused of Endangering Indian Lives
Turning his focus to domestic politics, PM Modi criticized the Congress for its remarks on the Middle East crisis, alleging they could jeopardize the lives of nearly one crore Indians residing in Gulf countries. "You must also remember the kind of statements the Congress is making on this sensitive issue -- they are dangerous. Congress wants the lives of Indians living in Gulf countries to be put at risk, so that it can gain political advantage from it," he charged.
Attack on Kerala's Political Fronts
In his rally speech, PM Modi also targeted Kerala's two main political alliances—the LDF and UDF—accusing them of corruption, vote-bank politics, and poor governance. "For decades the LDF and the UDF have together looted Kerala... in this arrangement, our Kerala has remained trapped," he said.
He further elaborated, "Keralam has been trapped for decades between the two masks of selfish politics. On one side, LDF, on the other UDF, on one side Communists, on the other Congress, one corrupt, the other mega-corrupt, one communal, the other mega-communal." PM Modi claimed that the BJP-NDA is emerging as a credible alternative in the state, with Kerala "sending a message of change."
Upcoming Kerala Assembly Elections
The Kerala Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in a single phase on April 9, with counting set for May 4. The current 140-member Assembly's tenure ends on May 23, and approximately 2.7 crore electors are expected to participate in the voting process.
