Rahul Gandhi Launches Scathing Attack on LDF Government and PM Modi During Kerala Campaign
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi delivered powerful critiques of both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during separate election campaign events in Alappuzha and Kattappana on Saturday. The opposition leader in Lok Sabha accused the current state government of abandoning leftist principles and becoming disconnected from the people, while simultaneously condemning the Prime Minister for what he described as subservient behavior toward foreign leaders.
Sharp Criticism of Kerala's LDF Government
Speaking at a rally in Alappuzha, Gandhi launched a direct attack on the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government, stating that the Left no longer remains in the front's name and that nothing would remain after the elections. He specifically criticized the Chief Minister for describing the brutal assault on Alappuzha candidate A D Thomas by security personnel as a 'rescue operation.' Thomas had earlier shown a black flag at the Chief Minister as a form of protest.
"We have been fighting LDF for years," Gandhi declared. "Earlier, they had some ideologies, which is why they were called Left. The current government's policies are not leftist and it is led by an invisible force. It is communal and doesn't accept the Constitution. It spreads hatred among people."
The Congress leader pointed to the presence of G Sudhakaran, an independent candidate supported by the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Ambalappuzha, as evidence of fundamental changes within the LDF. "A senior leader, who was part of LDF is sitting with us today," Gandhi noted. "His change of mind was not sudden; it was due to fundamental changes in LDF. It is not opportunism. When one travels with a party for a long time, one absorbs many things from it. He quit because he saw things happening contrary to its principles."
Allegations of CPM-RSS-BJP Connection
Gandhi made serious allegations about growing connections between the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-Bharatiya Janata Party combine. "The connection between CPM and RSS-BJP is now visible to people," he claimed. "Most Left leaders are aware of it. There are two types of Left leaders: the opportunistic and power-hungry and they aren't troubled by RSS-BJP connection. The second group consists of those who believed in and worked for Left ideologies for years. They feel betrayed and are uneasy."
The Congress leader elaborated on what he described as the corrupting influence of prolonged power. "When someone is in power for a long time, there is deep confusion," Gandhi explained. "It happens to small leaders too. In a democracy, people provide leaders the opportunity to use power. However, at some point, some leaders feel that all power belongs to them. Those who recognise that power belongs to people will respect and acknowledge them."
Accusations of Power Intoxication
Gandhi drew parallels between what he characterized as the power-intoxicated behavior of both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. "Those who believe power comes from themselves will become intolerant and disconnected from people," he asserted. "This has happened to both Prime Minister and Chief Minister here. People will recognise all these. Elections are just a formality for that."
He referenced two specific incidents to illustrate his point: "When five or six women MPs stood up in Parliament, Prime Minister thought it was an attack on him. The brutal assault on those who showed a black flag to CM was due to the same mindset. CM didn't think it was just their dissent. These incidents reveal two people intoxicated by power."
Listing Kerala's Problems and UDF Promises
The Congress leader highlighted several issues facing Kerala under the current administration:
- Kerala ranking first in drug-related problems
- Farmers burdened by debt
- 1.3 lakh people unemployed in the coir sector
- Attacks on minorities, including incidents in Chhattisgarh and Manipur
"The CM here stands with the attackers," Gandhi alleged regarding the minority attacks.
He outlined several promises a UDF government would implement:
- Complete the seawall project left unfulfilled by the LDF government
- Provide a support price of Rs 35 for rice
- Implement special projects in the coir and cashew sectors
Campaign Event Details
During the Alappuzha rally, Gandhi introduced UDF-supported candidates in the district including G Sudhakaran, M Liju, A D Thomas, Reji Cherian, and K R Rajendraprasad. The event was presided over by DCC president B Babu Prasad, with additional speeches from KPCC vice-president A A Shukoor, Muslim League district president A M Naseer, and UDF Alappuzha assembly constituency committee chairman R Unnikrishnan.
Gandhi and AICC general secretary K C Venugopal greeted the enthusiastic crowd. Before leaving the stage, Neerkunnam-native Amanil Kumar presented Gandhi with a Neymeen (fish). As he departed, supporters surrounded him, eager to shake hands and present kanikonna flowers.
Criticism of PM Modi's 'Sir' Comment
At a separate election campaign meeting in Kattappana, Gandhi turned his attention to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, criticizing him for addressing US President Donald Trump as 'sir.' "If Trump asks Modi to jump, he would jump and if asked to lie down, he would comply," Gandhi alleged. He further claimed that even if instructed to act in Israel's favor, Modi would follow without question.
"Addressing Trump as 'sir' was highly inappropriate and reflected a colonial mindset, as if India was still under British rule," Gandhi stated. "India is an independent nation and a Prime Minister should never address anyone as 'sir', nor act on instructions from a foreign leader."
The Congress leader alleged a pattern of subservience: "Whenever Trump called, Modi responded what he should do. When Modi calls, Kerala CM responds in a similar manner."
Additional Allegations Against Central Government
Gandhi expanded his criticism to include several policy areas:
- Accusing the Prime Minister of weakening India's energy security
- Claiming trade agreements with the US have harmed small businesses and the agricultural sector
- Making corruption allegations against the Kerala Chief Minister and his family
The speeches marked some of Gandhi's strongest criticisms during the Kerala election campaign, combining ideological arguments against the LDF with personal attacks on both state and national leadership. The Congress leader positioned the UDF as the alternative that would restore democratic values and address the state's pressing economic and social issues.
