PM Modi Addresses NDA Convention in Kerala, Advocates Development and Governance Reforms

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called for a political shift in Kerala, saying the state—referred to by him as “Keralam”—needs a “new beginning” beyond decades of alternating rule by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF). He made the remarks while addressing a convention of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Kochi.

PM Modi highlighted that the NDA government at the Centre had officially recognised the state’s name as “Keralam,” a move he said reflects respect for its cultural identity. “People across the world will now refer to Kerala as Keralam, and this has been made possible by the NDA government,” he said, linking the recognition to the state’s potential on the global stage.

Pointing to Kerala’s culture, coastline, and climate, the Prime Minister argued that the state has underperformed in development due to entrenched corruption and stagnation under the alternating rule of the two main fronts. He urged voters to give the NDA a chance after “70 years of experimenting with the same political fronts,” describing the UDF as an “MMC group” – a combination of Muslim League, Maoist, and Congress, which he called “dangerous.”

Also Read: PM Modi Praises Kerala Fishermen While Backing State Renaming To Keralam

Promising a “double engine government” if the NDA comes to power in Kerala, PM Modi outlined plans to focus on tourism, IT, and emerging technologies. He spoke about promoting destination weddings, international conferences, and meetings to position Kerala as a global tourism hub. Welfare schemes for coastal communities, including Rs 5 lakh insurance cover for four lakh fishermen across India, were also cited as examples of the Centre’s support.

The Prime Minister highlighted infrastructure development such as the Vizhinjam International Seaport, saying such projects would help transform the state’s economy. He also addressed concerns among the Malayali diaspora in the Gulf region amid tensions in West Asia, assuring continued government support for Indians abroad, recalling earlier rescue operations including nurses from Iraq and Father Tom Uzhunnalil.

Taking aim at the opposition, PM Modi accused both the Congress and the Left of “playing politics” even during international crises, blaming them for corruption and economic stagnation in Kerala. Despite what he described as “conspiracies” by the two fronts, he expressed confidence that a BJP-led NDA government would eventually take power and propel Kerala to “new heights of development.” After his address in Kerala, he proceeded to Tamil Nadu for a series of programmes.

Also Read: PM Modi to Attend Development Programmes in Assam; Amit Shah to Address Youth Conference