Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed a massive public rally in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, where he expressed gratitude for the warm reception and overwhelming public enthusiasm. He said that every visit to Kerala fills him with affection and energy and noted that the atmosphere in Thiruvananthapuram reflected a renewed sense of hope and confidence for change in the state.
PM Modi reiterated, “The BJP’s victory in Thiruvananthapuram is historic and unprecedented. It has laid the foundation for BJP-led governance in Kerala. The mandate given in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation is echoing not just across Kerala, but across the entire country. It reflects the people’s trust in good governance and their commitment to building a Viksit Kerala. I thank the voters of Thiruvananthapuram for placing their faith in the BJP.”
Highlighting years of neglect, PM Modi said that both LDF and UDF governments had failed Thiruvananthapuram for decades, leaving the city behind even in basic facilities due to corruption and misgovernance. He said the BJP has begun working with a clear vision of ‘Viksit Thiruvananthapuram’ and assured full support to transform the city into one of the best cities in India.
Referring to upcoming elections, PM Modi stated they would determine Kerala’s future direction. He said Kerala has long been alternated between LDF and UDF, both of which have weakened the state through corruption, poor governance and appeasement politics. He presented BJP-NDA as the third alternative focused on development and good governance.
He remarked that while LDF and UDF may have different symbols, their politics and agenda remain the same, marked by corruption and lack of accountability. He urged voters to form a truly people-centric government, asserting that only the BJP-NDA can deliver transparent and effective governance in Kerala.
Emphasising cooperative federalism, the Prime Minister asserted BJP believes that national development is built on state development and that Kerala’s progress remains a priority for the Centre. He criticised the LDF government for obstructing the implementation of central schemes such as PM Awas Yojana (Urban), Jal Jeevan Mission and PM-SHRI schools, calling such actions anti-poor and anti-development.
PM Modi said, “Through PM SVANidhi, we have empowered street vendors by giving them access to institutional credit, and I am happy to announce that SVANidhi Credit Cards are now being extended to street vendors, starting from Kerala. Before 2014, neither the Congress nor the Left truly cared for farmers or fishermen, but under PM-KISAN, crores of rupees have been directly transferred into the bank accounts of lakhs of farmers in Kerala with complete transparency. We created a separate fisheries ministry, extended Kisan Credit Cards to fishermen and strengthened deep-sea fishing and boat modernisation to secure their livelihoods.”
Addressing youth and employment, the Prime Minister said the NDA government has a clear roadmap for creating job opportunities for Kerala’s youth. He highlighted India’s growing global partnerships under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and said Kerala stands to benefit significantly if a double-engine government is formed in the state.
On infrastructure development, PM Modi said BJP views infrastructure creation as a major driver of employment. He highlighted the complete electrification of Kerala’s rail network, operation of three Vande Bharat trains, and the launch of new Amrit Bharat Express services.
Referring to the Vizhinjam Port, the PM said it has already handled nearly 150 vessels and three lakh containers within six months of inauguration, generating employment and strengthening Kerala’s trade capacity.
Expressing concern over corruption, the Prime Minister referred to cooperative bank scams in Kerala that affected poor and middle-class families. He assured that those responsible would be held accountable and said that every rupee looted would be recovered if BJP is given an opportunity.
On religious matters, PM Modi reiterated his deep faith in Lord Ayyappa and criticised the LDF government for hurting Sabarimala traditions. He assured that allegations of irregularities, including gold theft, would be thoroughly investigated and that guilty individuals would be punished.
PM Modi warned that the Congress is increasingly being referred to as the ‘MMC - Muslim League Maowadi Congress’ and cautioned people to remain vigilant against its alleged promotion of extremist forces in Kerala. He urged citizens to collectively safeguard Kerala’s land of knowledge, science and spiritual heritage from divisive and radical agendas.
Concluding his speech, PM Modi said that over the next 25 years, a decisive mandate is needed to make Kerala a developed state. Calling upon the people of Kerala, he said this is the time for Viksit Keralam, and asserted that now is the right time for an NDA government.
Click here to read full text speech
BJP's victory in Thiruvananthapuram is historic and unprecedented. pic.twitter.com/vRsPmMd6Fa
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) January 23, 2026
LDF and UDF… their flags and symbols are different... But their politics and agenda are the same.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) January 23, 2026
Full corruption… zero accountability.
Full communalism… zero responsibility. pic.twitter.com/zUxvaiJYrC
Corruption has put the brake on Kerala's development. Under LDF rule, even savings in banks are not safe. pic.twitter.com/MzxH8cN1om
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) January 23, 2026
