Amit Shah says Kerala polls are about the state’s future, not just changing the government

Amit Shah said that the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala are not only about changing the government, but about shaping a better future for the state. He made these remarks while addressing a public rally in Kochi ahead of the elections.

The Kerala Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in a single phase, with voting on April 9 and counting of votes on May 4. The current assembly’s term will end later in May. Political parties are actively campaigning across the state to gain support from voters.

Speaking at a rally in Ernakulam district, Shah urged people to think beyond traditional voting patterns. He said that for many years, Kerala has been alternating between two main political alliances — the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF). According to him, both alliances have not been able to deliver the level of development that people expect.

He called on voters to consider supporting the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for a new direction in governance. Shah said that the goal of the election should be to bring progress and better opportunities for the people of the state.

BJP seeks to expand its presence in Kerala

Shah pointed out that the BJP-led NDA has been gradually increasing its vote share in Kerala over the past few elections. He said that in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA received around 14 percent of the vote. This increased to 16 percent in 2019 and further rose to 20 percent in 2024.

He described this growth as a sign that more people are willing to support the NDA in Kerala. Based on this trend, he expressed confidence that the BJP-led alliance could form a government in the state in the future.

Shah also spoke about the party’s guiding principle of “justice for all and appeasement of none.” He said that this approach is followed across the country. As an example, he mentioned action taken against organisations accused of anti-national activities.

He also raised the issue of land disputes involving the Waqf Board in Kerala. According to him, land belonging to several families had been taken over, and both the LDF and UDF failed to address the issue properly. He used this example to criticise both alliances and to highlight the need for change.

In his speech, Shah also criticised Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He accused the state government of taking credit for central schemes by changing their names. He said that funds and benefits provided by the central government are sometimes presented as state initiatives.

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Promises and political attacks during campaign

During the rally, Shah made several promises on behalf of the NDA. He said that if the alliance comes to power in Kerala, it will focus on welfare and development. One of the promises included providing financial support of ₹2,500 per month to women in the state.

He also announced that the first All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Kerala would be made operational within two years if the NDA forms the government. In addition, he promised that households would receive two free LPG cylinders every year during festivals like Onam and Christmas.

Shah also spoke about law and order issues. Referring to an alleged gold theft case at the Sabarimala temple, he said that those responsible should be punished. He promised that if the NDA comes to power, the case would be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and action would be taken within a fixed time.

He also criticised opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi. Shah accused him of spreading incorrect information about rising fuel prices. He said that while fuel prices have increased in many parts of the world, the situation in India remains stable with adequate supply.

Shah also pointed out what he described as a contradiction in the relationship between Congress and Communist parties. He said that in many parts of India, these parties work together, but in Kerala, they contest against each other. According to him, this shows inconsistency in their political approach.

Throughout his speech, Shah tried to position the NDA as a strong alternative to the existing political options in Kerala. He emphasised development, governance, and welfare as key issues for voters to consider.

As the election date approaches, political campaigning in Kerala is expected to become more intense. Leaders from different parties will continue to present their visions and promises to attract voters.

In the end, the decision will be made by the people of Kerala. Whether they choose to continue with existing alliances or support a new political direction will become clear once the results are announced.

The elections are not just about political competition, but also about the future path of the state.