New Delhi, April 2 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lashed out at the Congress and the Left parties, accusing them of aligning with fundamentalist forces to divide society and damage India's reputation globally.
Speaking virtually to BJP booth workers in Kerala ahead of the April 9 Assembly polls, Modi said the Congress has abandoned its Gandhian ideology and has become a "Maoist-influenced Muslim League Congress".
"The LDF and UDF are using fundamentalist forces to divide society according to their agendas. At the same time, they are exploiting our faith. How are they treating the devotees of Lord Ayyappa? Both the LDF and UDF are acting dishonestly regarding the temple. They are also squandering your hard-earned money in cooperative banks. The people are watching all of this closely," Modi said.
The prime minister claimed that while his government is working to strengthen the country, the Congress, on the other hand, is creating a negative image of India on the global stage, tarnishing its reputation.
"People from Kerala live and work in many countries around the world. However, Congress is making statements that could naturally anger these individuals. As a result, members of the Keralite community living abroad may face difficulties."
"Despite this, for the sake of their own political interests, the Congress continues to make irresponsible remarks, thereby endangering the safety and well-being of our people," he said.
Modi claimed that the current situation in Kerala has left many youngsters feeling restless and disillusioned.
"They believe that regardless of whether the LDF or UDF is in power, they still have to seek opportunities elsewhere. As a result, they are now inclined to give the BJP a chance, in hopes that it will encourage the development of infrastructure, startups, and industries within the state... The youth are fed up with the status quo of the previous UDF and LDF governments," he said.
The prime minister urged the booth workers to visit every household and encourage them to give the BJP-NDA a chance this time.
"The Congress and Communists have had 75 years to lead; ask people to grant just five years to the BJP-NDA. Let them know that wherever our party workers have been given the opportunity, they have served the community diligently and effectively," he said, adding that ex-soldiers, driven by patriotism, always choose the BJP.
The prime minister told the booth workers that the party's performance in the Thiruvananthapuram local body polls signals a growing wave of support ahead of the Assembly elections.
"It is evident that this time, Kerala is not just choosing a new government but also a new system...in this election, there is a wave of support for the BJP-NDA," he said.
Modi added that the state capital has shattered the long-held perception that the Left and the Congress alternate in power regardless of governance.
"As a result, the UDF and LDF are now focusing their attacks on the BJP rather than on each other... the people are fed up with the loot by the UDF and LDF," he said.
Drawing a cricket analogy, Modi invoked batter Sanju Samson -- who hails from Kerala -- to underline the importance of rising to the occasion.
"We often witness this in the performances of Sanju Samson. During the World Cup, as the tournament reached its crucial knockout stages, his performance peaked. From start to finish, his focus, confidence, and intensity only grew stronger -- hallmarks of a true sportsman. A great player always delivers when his team needs him the most," Modi said.
"Similarly, on voting day, our efforts to connect with every household must be even stronger. This is when your dedication matters most, and you may need to put in extra hours to ensure success," he added.