New Delhi, April 1 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met "Yamaraj" on a bus during his election campaign in Kerala and said that "Yama" was not particularly pleased to see him or other UDF leaders because of the alliance's promised health insurance scheme, in what appeared to be a promotional interaction.
Gandhi shared a video of his bus ride in Kerala's Balussery on Wednesday, the day before, during which he met a man dressed as "Yamaraj." This appeared to be a promotional interaction for the UDF's proposed Health Insurance Scheme, under which the alliance has promised Rs 25 lakh health coverage for every household in Kerala.
"Yesterday in Balussery, Kerala, I met Yamaraj on a bus. Unfortunately, he wasn't particularly happy to see me or the other UDF leaders."
"The UDF's Oommen Chandy Health Insurance Scheme promises Rs 25 lakh health coverage for every household—this will put Yamaraj out of work, but we will soon find him another job," said the leader of the opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha on X.
"Our mission is simple—no family in Kerala should ever have to feel the financial burden of a medical crisis. With Rs 25 lakh coverage, we are ensuring that illness never deprives a family of its dignity, its savings, or its future. Healthcare is a right, and the UDF is here to make it a reality for every Keralite," Gandhi said.
In the video, the "Yamaraj," the Hindu God of Death, who was carrying a mace, tells Gandhi that he is out of work because people will live longer due to the Rs 25 lakh insurance scheme.
The UDF has pledged five "Indira guarantees," including free travel for all women on Kerala state transport buses, a monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 to college-going female students, and an increase in welfare pensions to Rs 3,000 per month.
In addition, it has also pledged the health insurance scheme in the name of former chief minister Oommen Chandy, which provides coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh for each family, as well as interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh for small businesses.
The elections in Kerala are scheduled for April 9, and the counting of votes will take place on May 4.