"People of Keralam enthusiastically supporting BJP-NDA": PM Modi ahead of 'Mera Booth, Sabse Mazboot' programme
New Delhi, April 2
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the people of Keralam are showing strong support for the BJP-NDA, asserting that voters have seen through the empty promises of both LDF and UDF.
He will interact with party workers and citizens through the "Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot Samvad - Keralam" programme this evening.
In a post on X, "The people of Keralam are enthusiastically supporting BJP-NDA across the state. They have seen through the hollow promises of both LDF and UDF."
"Looking forward to today's 'Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot Samvad - Keralam' at 4:30 this evening," the post read.
Elections for the 2026 Keralam Legislative Assembly elections will be held on April 9, with the counting of votes on May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is set to conclude on May 23.
Earlier on March 31, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala released its election manifesto outlining a detailed roadmap for the state's development, sector-specific economic growth, and welfare initiatives for women and poor families if voted to power in the assembly polls.
The manifesto, unveiled by the party's national president Nitin Nabin and state party chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar, positions Kerala as a preferred global tourism destination while aiming to develop the state's cities as specialised economic hubs.
The party has promised to promote Thiruvananthapuram as an IT and innovation capital, Kochi as India's shipbuilding hub, Kozhikode as a centre for healthcare and medical innovation, Thrissur as a cultural tourism capital, Kollam as an internationally competitive blue economy cluster prioritising marine exports, and Kannur as a defence innovation hub. The party emphasised that these sectoral hubs are expected to generate substantial employment opportunities.
On the welfare front, the BJP promises a Bhakshya Arogya Suraksha card for needy women, providing a monthly recharge of Rs 2,500 for medicines and groceries. The manifesto also proposes establishing an AIIMS in Kerala, along with a high-speed railway network connecting Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur.
Further pledges include providing two free LPG cylinders per year to poor families, one during Onam and one during Christmas. Every household will also be supplied with 20,000 litres of free water per month.
The manifesto also addresses the management of major places of worship, including Sabarimala and Guruvayur, promising protection through revamped Devaswom Boards. Regarding the Mullaperiyar Dam, the BJP pledged to ensure water supply for Tamil Nadu while safeguarding Kerala's interests.'
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'll believe it when I see it. Every party makes big promises before elections. The free cylinders and water sound good, but where is the money coming from? The state's finances are already in bad shape. Need more clarity.
As a young professional in Kochi, the promise to make it a shipbuilding hub is exciting! We need high-quality jobs to stop our youth from moving to Bangalore or abroad. The IT focus for Trivandrum is also long overdue. 👍
The Bhakshya Arogya Suraksha card for women is a thoughtful promise. Managing household expenses for medicines is a real struggle. If implemented properly, it can be a game-changer for many families like mine.
Interesting to see BJP making a strong push in Kerala. The high-speed rail network connecting the entire state would be transformative for connectivity and tourism. The focus on protecting places of worship like Sabarimala will resonate with many.
Respectfully, I have my doubts. The PM says people are "enthusiastically supporting," but on the ground, the sentiment is mixed. The existing parties have a deep network. BJP needs to prove it understands Kerala's unique social fabric beyond just announcements.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.