In Thrissur, Kerala, Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of arrogance, alleging they prioritize ruling over people rather than working with them.
Speaking at an election rally in Mala, Gandhi said the Kerala Assembly elections were a contest between the Congress-led UDF and the ruling LDF, which he alleged was indirectly supported by the BJP.
He stated that the LDF was receiving "hidden support" and that even CPI(M) workers recognized the government was not functioning as a true Left administration.
He claimed that some Left leaders were contesting the April 9 Assembly polls with UDF support, calling it an unprecedented development in Kerala's political history.
Gandhi accused the BJP of viewing the Congress and the UDF as its main political challenges in both Kerala and across the country, and of having a deal with the saffron party.
He claimed that while PM Modi speaks about God, temples, and religion in his speeches elsewhere, he does not address the Sabarimala gold loss involving CPI(M) leaders in Kerala. He attributed this to a desire to protect the chief minister and the CPI(M).
Gandhi alleged that anyone who attacks the BJP faces repercussions. However, he stated that the chief minister and his family were not being targeted.
He said, "What we are fighting is a partnership. We must remember who that partner is. The partner is the same people who set fire in Manipur, attacked nurses from Kerala in Chhattisgarh, and divide India on religious lines, spreading hatred and violence."
Gandhi also criticized a campaign slogan associated with the LDF, referring to billboards carrying the chief minister's image with the words "Who else".
He stated that the chief minister is not a God who can rule Kerala alone, and that there are thousands of talented people in the state, including women with immense capabilities and the true spirit of Kerala.
He described the slogan as "disrespect" to the people of the state and "the height of arrogance".
He advised the chief minister to remove the campaign from Kerala's streets, stating that every time a Keralite looks at the poster, it is an insult.
Gandhi stated that this "arrogant mindset" is the one shared by Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Himanta Biswa Sarma – the idea that they are here to rule the people.
He said that political leaders should work with humility and in partnership with the people.
He added, "This is not the time of maharajas who claim that only they can rule. It is also an insult to leaders in the Left front, as it suggests no one else is capable."
Gandhi alleged that this "disease" exists in the BJP, RSS, and the Left front.
He stated that the same mentality that Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have – that they are born to rule – is the same mentality the chief minister has.
He warned that such a mindset was harming the country.
He said, "Wisdom lies with the people – farmers, businessmen, and workers – and the job of leaders is to understand that wisdom and work for them."
Citing past Congress leaders in Kerala, Gandhi said K Karunakaran, Oommen Chandy, and A K Antony exemplified leadership rooted in humility and public service.
He further alleged a power dynamic involving global and national leadership.
"US President Donald Trump openly says that he can destroy Mr. Narendra Modi anytime he wants. And it is the same relationship that the chief minister of Kerala has with Modi and Amit Shah. The reason is his and his family’s corruption," Gandhi said without elaborating.
He added that in today's India, even minor corruption could land leaders in trouble.
"It is a simple fact that if you are involved even in the slightest corruption, you are going to be controlled by Modi and Shah. That is what has happened to the chief minister of Kerala," he alleged.
The Congress leader also raised concerns about global developments, warning that ongoing conflicts could have serious economic consequences for India.
"The war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East will impact fuel prices and fertiliser availability. These developments should not be underestimated," he said.
Outlining the Congress-led UDF's promises, Gandhi said the alliance has proposed five guarantees to support people during difficult times. These include free travel for women in KSRTC buses, Rs 1,000 per month for college-going girls, increasing social welfare pensions to Rs 3,000, health insurance coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh for families, and interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh for young entrepreneurs.
He said the Mala and Kodungaloor areas symbolise India's inclusive culture, noting that it is believed to be the place where Saint Thomas first arrived in India and is also home to the Cheraman Juma Mosque, considered the country’s first mosque, along with several ancient temples.
"You are an example of India’s pluralism. People of different religions, faiths, and traditions live here with mutual respect and love," he said.