Speaking at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, on the evening of 9th February, Shri Narendra Modi underscored the untapped potential of God’s own country and attacked the Congress-led UDF and Left-led LDF for the lack of development in Kerala.
Highlighting the sorry state-of-affairs in Kerala, where, inspite of its rich cultural diversity and natural bounty, the youth had to go to the foreign shores seeking work, Shri Modi asked, “Is the BJP responsible for this situation in Kerala? I want to know from you.” To this, the audience replied in negation.
He went on to add how the Communists had opposed the mechanization of agriculture and the harm this had caused to the farmers of Kerala, while also expressing his concern over the lack of policy formulation for outsourcing by the Central government, especially since the youth of Kerala were jobless. He further added, “Be it the Kerala government or the Central government, they are not bothered about using the fertile land of Kerala and providing employment to the youth.”
Shri Modi spoke of how Democracy for the Communist party was only about grabbing power. “Communists do not believe in democracy. For them democracy is only about grabbing. So they keep dreaming of instability,” said Shri Modi. Reflecting upon the game being played between the UDF and LDF, Shri Modi spoke how the spate of events were proof enough of the close relations shared between them, while stating that, “They are experts at shadow boxing. It’s like WWF of TV.”
Shri Modi spoke about the misrule witnessed in Kerala under their government, and urged the people to forget them and show support for the Third Alternative. “Kerala needs the Third Alternative and we come to you with that,” stressed Shri Modi.
Underscoring the tremendous potential for tourism entailed in the land of Kerala, Shri Modi said that inspite of the vast opportunities in the domains of health tourism and holistic healthcare, nothing was being done to promote it. He added that tourism in Kerala had reached a static state and much needed to be done to promote the vibrancy of this sector. Also highlighting the immense scope of religious tourism in Kerala, Shri Modi spoke of how the Central government had spent crores on the advertisements for Incredible India, but the promotions never uttered a word on Kerala’s most-sought-after spiritual abode of Sabarimala. “Who is responsible for this? Why isn’t a growth module, with so much scope, being developed,” asked Shri Modi.
Shri Modi compared how Gujarat and Kerala had responded differently to LNG terminal. He said that though the decision for implementation was taken at the same time in 1998, in both states, Gujarat was quicker and set the process in 2004, while the project is yet to see the light of the day in Kerala. This, he said, was also reflective of how good governance differed from bad and ineffective governance.
Stating that the aspects of agriculture, manufacturing and services sector were equally significant to the Nation’s growth, Shri Modi urged the decision-makers and the people to give due emphasis on each of these aspects.
Shri Modi expressed deep concern over the involvement of the youth of Kerala in anti-social and unlawful activities, and said that had the government acted appropriately and guided them, this wouldn’t have happened. Comparing the government to a parent who is concerned about his child, Shri Modi said that the role of the government should not be limited only to decision-making but should also focus on guiding its citizens to take the right path and move forward towards progress. “In god’s own country, in this spiritual land, we need to affirm that we will not allow the youth to walk on the path of crime,” said Shri Modi.
He shared the feedback he had received through social media, wherein the women of Kerala had spoken about their distress at the youth getting increasingly dependent on liquour and drugs. Assuring the women, Shri Modi called for the need to address this grave issue with due action.
Shri Modi spoke of how the contribution of local heroes like Major Unni Krishnan go unnoticed, and asked the crowd if they were ready to continue with such a callous approach of the current government. “Those who believe in ruining India, those who do not want Kerala, till when will you trust them,” asked Shri Modi.
Shri Modi gave the example of West Bengal, which had voted out the Communist rule, and urged the people of Kerala to support the BJP in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. “Sawaal sau din ka hai. After 100 days, the BJP will come to power, but Kerala should feel that they too have contributed in forming the government in Delhi. The government in Delhi should be able to relate to the problems of Kerala,” said Shri Modi.
At the address, Shri Modi also recalled his meeting with the Maharaja of Travancore during his last visit and paid rich tributes to the great visionary who was no more.
