Both UDF, LDF hindered development in Kerala, says BJP national president Nitin Nabin

Kochi: BJP national president Nitin Nabin set the tone for his party's election campaign in Kerala by attacking both the UDF and the LDF, stating that they hindered state's development by taking turns in governance. "These two fronts failed to utilize their years in power for development and engaged in governance mired in corruption. Their politics were about appeasement. If the corruption and appeasement of both fronts are exposed to the public, they will undoubtedly embrace BJP with open arms," he said while speaking at a conference of BJP booth-level presidents from Ernakulam and Alappuzha districts at Angamaly on Friday. Nabin, who is in Kerala for the first time since taking charge as BJP national president, is on a two-day visit. "The UDF and LDF turned against Sanatana Dharma. UDF operates in alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami and the Muslim League. There were even obstacles from the UDF's side against reading the Ramayana. They harbour animosity towards temples. The Left, on the other hand, adopted an approach that undermines our beliefs. We saw that they were not even willing to spare Lord Ayyappa. We also witnessed DMK, an ally of the INDI alliance, ridiculing Sanatana Dharma. Congress went to the Supreme Court against the existence of Ram Setu and Ram temple," he said. Nabin added that both fronts are attempting to destroy Sabarimala. "BJP will move forward with strong protests against these culprits. BJP will ensure they are punished. The millions of believers here will not let those who tried to destroy Sanatana Dharma go free. We are even ready to sacrifice our lives for this cause," he said. He said that the youth of Kerala are going abroad for jobs and education. "Millions of young people left Kerala. Once known as the land of education, this is the reason the youth of Kerala are leaving for education and employment," Nabin said. Stating that the BJP will bring a change in Kerala, he said, "BJP workers are ready to end the long-standing Left rule in Thiruvananthapuram. The time for BJP to come to power in Kerala is not far off. Like in other states across the country, the BJP govt will come to power in Kerala as well." BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and national general secretary Vinod Tawde were among those who spoke.