Rahul Gandhi Launches Scathing Attack on Kerala's Ruling LDF and BJP
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday delivered a sharp critique against the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of aligning with groups that target minorities across India. Speaking at a rally in Kerala, Gandhi asserted that the ideological foundations of the LDF have eroded, transforming it into a front with questionable alliances.
Allegations of Ideological Betrayal and Hidden Influences
Gandhi highlighted a perceived connection between the BJP, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led LDF. "Everyone can see there is a relationship today between the BJP, RSS and the left front," he stated, noting that some longstanding leftist leaders feel "let down, hurt, betrayed" by this shift. He emphasized that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) once opposed the LDF on ideological grounds, but now views it as compromised. "What does LDF stand for—Left Democratic Front. Now, frankly, there is nothing Left in the LDF. After the election, there will be nothing left in it," Gandhi remarked, predicting its decline.
Further intensifying his accusations, Gandhi pointed to a "hidden hand" guiding the LDF, describing it as communal, anti-constitutional, and divisive. "That hidden hand is communal, does not accept the Constitution of India, divides people and spreads hatred. Everyone in Kerala can see the connection between BJP, RSS and CPI(M)," he added, urging voters to recognize these ties.
Criticism of PM Modi and Focus on Kerala's Issues
Gandhi also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning his selective engagement with religious matters. He referenced the Sabarimala gold case, implying Modi's silence on Kerala-specific concerns while actively discussing temples in other states. "I fight BJP and RSS; they attack me, cases are filed, I am interrogated, but I do not back down. Modi attacks me daily. But why does he not attack the Kerala chief minister and his family?" Gandhi asked, suggesting a strategic alliance. He concluded, "But when he comes to Kerala, he forgets all that because he wants to help the LDF. The truth is he knows the LDF will never challenge him nationally."
Concerns Over Minority Attacks and Women's Empowerment
Addressing broader national issues, Gandhi raised alarms about attacks on minorities, citing incidents in Chhattisgarh and Manipur. "Two nuns from here were attacked in Chhattisgarh. In Manipur, churches were burnt. The chief minister has a partnership with the people who are doing this. The very people who are attacking minorities- Muslims, Christians and Sikhs have a partnership with the chief minister," he alleged, linking these actions to Vijayan's alignment.
In a positive note, Gandhi underscored the Congress's commitment to women's empowerment in Kerala. "We are doing this because we understand that women are the backbone of Kerala. We want you to pursue your dreams, travel wherever you want and achieve whatever you want," he stated, highlighting the party's focus on enabling female aspirations and mobility.
