Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) significant victory in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation elections as a powerful signal that the people of Kerala are ready for a transformative change. In a letter addressed to the newly elected mayor, V V Rajesh, the PM interpreted the win as a clear endorsement from the state's youth and women, tired of the established political dynamics.
A Mandate for Change and New Politics
Modi stated that the BJP-NDA alliance has emerged as the people's preferred choice, offering a politics rooted in inclusive nationalism, corruption-free development, and governance that shuns appeasement. He took aim at the traditional rivals in the state, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF), accusing them of a "fixed match" where they are friends in Delhi but pretend to be rivals in Kerala. The Prime Minister asserted that this era of broken promises is ending, as Kerala seeks to break free from this cycle.
Drawing Inspiration from Kerala's Icons
In his message of congratulations to Mayor Rajesh and his team, PM Modi urged them to draw inspiration from the noble principles of Kerala's revered social reformers. He invoked the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru on selfless service, Mahatma Ayyankali's focus on caring for the poor and marginalized, and Sri Mannathu Padmanabhan's emphasis on alleviating suffering and empowering women. The PM expressed confidence that the new council would serve the city with these ideals at heart, working to enhance the 'ease of living' for all citizens.
Upcoming Visit and Vision for the Capital
The Prime Minister is poised to visit Kerala by the end of January to unveil a dedicated development programme for the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, which the BJP-NDA wrested from the CPI(M) in the recent local body polls. Reflecting on his past visits, Modi praised the capital city, blessed by the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, as a land that has nurtured countless leaders, reformers, artists, and cultural giants.
"When such a city blessed our party, it is very humbling," the PM's letter read. He added that the party's vision to build a 'Vikasita Thiruvananthapuram' (Developed Thiruvananthapuram) found resonance with people from all sections of society across the city. The Prime Minister concluded by thanking the people of Thiruvananthapuram for their warmth and trust.
