Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday raked up the famed Sabarimala temple issue and slammed the way the Pinarayi Vijayan government took on devotees of Lord Ayyappa when they were beaten with lathis.
Modi, who is on his second trip to Kerala to campaign for the BJP candidates, reached Konni in Patnanamthitta district, where the famous Lord Ayyappa temple is located, and was greeted by a mammoth crowd. He began his speech by chanting 'Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa' a few times and it was greeted by a huge applause.
"I am really happy to be in the land blessed by Lord Ayyappa because those devotees who arrive here come after observing 41 days strict vrathem (penance) which makes this place blessed. From Ayyappa we learned how to do good for all," said Modi.
"But what has the Left government done, they tried to destroy the culture and portray the image of Kerala as a backward one. They carried out a mischief against the devotees. Instead of welcoming them with flowers, they were welcomed with lathis as if they were criminals. For decades the Left government is portraying Indian culture in poor light," added Modi.
Recalling Ambedkar's statement that there is no role for Communism in a democracy, he went on to say that, "Communism is like forest fire, it destroys itself and everything, but I tell you that the BJP will stand against trampling of our culture."
"Devotees are not criminals. An ideology which has been rejected internationally will not be allowed to trample our culture. Our vision is inclusive and our work is extensive. We will further Kerala's progress and protect the Sabarimala culture," Modi said.
Modi attacked the ruling LDF and opposition UDF in Kerala, saying the people were fed up with the two fronts and wanted the development agenda of the BJP.
"Enough is enough. The people are telling UDF and LDF. The people of Kerala are seeing the development agenda of the BJP, NDA. They relate with our programmes and policies," he said.
The professional community was all praise for the BJP saying it stands for bringing progressive and educated people in politics, Modi said citing the example of 'Metroman' E Sreedharan.
"The active presence of a respected professional like Metroman E Sreedharan has been a game changer in Kerala politics. A man who achieved so much over the years, who made India's progress faster yet preferred BJP as a means to serve society," the Prime Minister added.
Seven deadly sins
With Good Friday being observed in Kerala on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used a Biblical reference for targeting the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and Congress-headed UDF, saying the two fronts have committed the 'seven deadly sins' including greed and lust for power.
"You all have heard of the seven deadly sins. UDF and LDF have committed their own seven deadly sins in Kerala," Modi said.
"The first sin is pride and arrogance. UDF and LDF feel that they can never be defeated. This has made their leaders very arrogant and disconnected from their roots, while the second sin is their greed for money," he said, referring to the gold, dollar and solar cases, which has tainted the two fronts.
The gold smuggling case is about the seizure of 30 kg of gold worth Rs 14.82 crore from a diplomatic baggage at the Thiruvananthapuram airport in July last year and the dollar case pertains to alleged smuggling of USD 1,90,000 (equivalent to Rs 1.3 crore by a former finance head of UAE consulate).
The Solar panel scandal, which hit the previous UDF government of Oommen Chandy, relates to a couple cheating people of crores of rupees by promising to instal solar panels and offering franchise and jobs.
Modi claimed the two fronts were envious, jealous and want to outdo each other in committing wrongs.
"They suffer from competitive corruption. They are jealous if the other alliance makes a paisa more than the other," the prime minister said at the rally at the stadium which was overflowing with people.
The lust for power has made the two fronts to enter into alliances with communal, criminal and repressive elements of society, he alleged.
"What was the stand of the Indian Union Muslim League on Triple Talaq? What are the social policies of Popular Front of India (PFI) and its political arm Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). Can their regressive politics be supported? No," he said.
The two fronts were promoting dynasty politics and everything else is a side issue, Modi said.
During an election rally in Palakkad district on March 30, Modi had targeted the LDF over the gold smuggling scam, saying the CPI(M)-led government "betrayed" the people of the state just as Judas did to Jesus for a few pieces of silver.
Kerala will cast votes in a single-phase Assembly Election on April 6.