BJP-led NDA is ‘real A-team’ in Kerala, not anyone’s ‘B-team’: Modi

Palakkad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched NDA's election campaign with a scathing attack on Kerala's dominant political fronts and declaring that BJP-led NDA is state's "real A-team", not anyone's "B-team". He said NDA was contesting to form a govt and transform the state into Viksit Keralam.Addressing a large gathering in Palakkad, Modi said the state was witnessing a ‘different vibe' and showing signs of political change. "Kerala has been trapped for decades between the two fronts that indulged in self-centered politics. Between LDF and UDF and Congress and communists, one is corrupt and the other is highly corrupt, communal and highly communal. The policies of LDF and UDF are for votebank politics," he said. Modi said both Left and Congress accuse each other of being BJP's "B-team". "This means both LDF and UDF have themselves admitted that in this Kerala election, if there is one real A-team, it is only and only BJP," he said. "NDA's growing popularity, people's growing trust in BJP, your enthusiasm and support today and your presence in such large numbers. Palakkad, all this shows that Keralam's mood has become a movement," he added."People of Kerala will no longer fall for empty promises of LDF and UDF. Only BJP-NDA can fulfil people's aspirations and ensure development," said Modi. "What remained unchanged will change. Now Keralam will develop," he added.Modi said both fronts are targeting BJP out of fear. "This means if these two corrupt parties are afraid of anyone, it is BJP. They fear BJP because they believe that if BJP comes to power, all their wrongdoings will be exposed," he said.The PM said BJP always promoted a women-led development approach. "Whether it's financial inclusion, healthcare or housing. Today, women receive the highest priority in central govt schemes. We also passed Nari Shakti Vandan Act to ensure women's participation in legislative assembly and Parliament," he said.PM also took a dig at the recent controversies over sexual harassment charges against Congress leaders. Referring to President Droupadi Murmu, Modi said NDA elevated the daughter of a simple family to the highest position in the country. "Congress on the other hand...you have seen it in Palakkad itself... their leaders have become a threat to the safety of women. Just yesterday, Congress was forced to expel another of its leaders from the party after serious allegations of women exploitation."He introduced Palakkad NDA candidate Sobha Surendran. "Sobha is not a new face in Palakkad. Last time, we had Metroman E Sreedharan, who is highly respected across the country, as our candidate. Unfortunately, he came second."