Kochi, March 11 – In a sharp attack on the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the opposition party of "politicizing" the West Asia crisis and said that Rahul Gandhi was unaware of the country's development.
Addressing a massive NDA rally in poll-bound Kerala, he also accused the ruling LDF of corruption. He said that Kerala needs a stable government to progress, and expressed confidence in a BJP victory in the upcoming elections.
Modi also spoke about efforts to help Indian citizens stranded in West Asia due to the conflict and urged people not to fall for "rumors" spread by the Congress and the Left.
Modi also raised the issue of the missing gold from the Sabarimala temple to target both the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and the Congress-led UDF, describing them as "partners in crime" in corruption, communal politics, and hindering development and industry in the state.
"They are partners in the looting of the Sabarimala temple. While the LDF leaders are accused of stealing gold from the temple, the UDF is accused of selling the stolen gold," Modi alleged.
He also referred to the government's decision to change the name of Kerala to "Keralam" and urged the people of the state to give the BJP-led alliance a chance for the next five years, with "Modi's guarantees."
Modi criticized Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of being unaware of the developments happening in the country, as he was unaware of the youth and various companies in India, including in Kerala, involved in drone manufacturing.
"Rahul Gandhi does not even know that Indian youth are making drones. He does not know that many companies in India are manufacturing drones. He doesn't know that the youth in Keralam are building drone startups. He is limited to a small circle and cannot see the growth of India," Modi said.
Modi's remarks were in reference to Gandhi's recent statement in Thiruvananthapuram, where he said that China was dominating drone manufacturing and India was far behind.
He had also said that India was the only country that could compete with China in this sector, given the right policies.
Modi also said that the BJP will work to make Kerala a hub for AI and future technology.
Referring to the West Asia crisis, he claimed that India does not leave its citizens stranded elsewhere and that the central government is working to ensure that all help is provided to Indians in the Gulf region.
"It is natural for everyone to be concerned about the situation in West Asia. Millions of our brothers and sisters work there. But you must remember that today, the country is governed by the BJP-NDA. Whenever any of our fellow citizens has faced a crisis, we have put in our full strength to bring them back safely," Modi said.
"I am also grateful that the governments in Gulf countries are protecting our citizens. Our Indian embassies are helping them 24x7. Food, medical and legal assistance is being provided," Modi said.
At the same time, he claimed that it was "sad" that even in such global crises, Congress is "playing politics" and making remarks that can worsen the situation and put people in trouble, so that they can ultimately blame him.
Modi also appealed to the Christian community, which is a significant voting bloc in Kerala, and referred to the successful efforts by his government to rescue two priests who were caught in conflict-torn countries — Yemen and Afghanistan a few years ago.
The PM also said that the present crisis in West Asia has once again proved how important it is to become "Atmanirbhar" (self-reliant).
"To reduce dependence on other countries in the energy sector, the government has taken many steps in recent years. We have increased our solar capacity. Work on solar projects has started in Keralam as well. To reduce dependence on petrol and diesel, electric vehicles are being promoted. One hundred percent electrification of railways is also being carried out," he said.
Modi said that the Congress and the Left have made the country more and more dependent on foreign nations and together they are now "spreading rumors" in connection with the war in the Gulf region, which has a significant number of Keralites employed in various sectors in different countries there.
He alleged that even during this time of war, "the Congress, the Left and their ecosystem are putting all their strength into creating fear in the country".
"I would say to the nation to stay cautious and alert of the rumors being spread by Congress and the Left," he contended.
He said that the public has made up its mind to come out of the "traps" of the LDF-UDF "unholy nexus" and it was evident from the trust placed on the BJP-NDA by the people of Thrissur, Thiruvananthapuram and several panchayats in the state.
This refers to the BJP's wins in Thrissur Lok Sabha seat in 2024 and the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and some local bodies in December 2025. This will be repeated in the polls this year.
He claimed that despite Kerala having nature, culture, talent, technology and the blessings of the ocean, development did not happen in the state as it should have, due to the alternating UDF-LDF pattern of government which, he said, has "harmed" the southern state.