Launching a scathing attack, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi drew a direct parallel between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accusing both of sharing the “same arrogance of power”.
“One man is in Delhi and one is here in Kerala – both believe they can rule alone,” he said. “Look at their arrogance. And look closely – they are in partnership.”
Addressing campaign meetings of various UDF candidates from Thrissur district in Mala and Kunnamkulam on Monday, Gandhi pointed to billboards across Kerala featuring the chief minister’s image with the slogan “Who Else?” as “the height of arrogance”.
“The Chief Minister is not a god. This is also an insult to the other leaders of the Left,” Gandhi said. “We struggle with that mindset,” he said
Calling it a deeper political disease, he added, “This arrogance exists in the BJP, the RSS and now the Left.”
Describing the upcoming elections as a decisive match, Gandhi said, “This is not just UDF versus LDF. This is UDF versus LDF-BJP partnership. There is a hidden hand helping the LDF.”
He alleged selective political targeting by central agencies. “I was interrogated for 55 hours. But your Chief Minister and his family are always spared. It is very clear – there is a partnership. Kerala is no longer run as a Left government. Even Left leaders know this,” Mr Gandhi alleged.
He warned of economic distress and political control. “One in three young people is unemployed. If you want a job, you have to join the ruling front. The debt is growing. The health sector is weakening. Dissent is being suppressed,” he said.
Rahul Gandhi, who highlighted the Karuvannur scam, alleged that there is massive corruption in the CPI(M).
“The top leaders have stolen nearly ₹300 crore from innocent people,” he said.
He further alleged that the case had become a tool for political leverage. “Modi is using this scam to control your chief minister. That is the reality of this partnership.”
On a warning note, Mr. Gandhi added: “The moment the United Democratic Front comes to power, we will take strict action against all involved.”
In national politics, he accused the Prime Minister of not defending India’s interests. “Narendra Modi cannot protect this country. He has threatened India’s energy and food security with the US. Narednra Modi is controlled by US President Trump through the Epstein files and Adani. Trump openly mocks Modi. It is the same relationship between Pinarayi Vijayan and Modi. The reason is his and his family’s corruption.”
Citing the United Democratic Front as an alternative, he said: “We want leadership rooted in humility, compassion and partnership with the people. This is not the era of maharajas.”
Gandhi also promised social security guarantees, including a family health insurance of ₹25,000. He also promised a revival plan for Kunnamkulam’s printing industry.
“We are going through a tough time. If these wars continue, fuel and fertilizer prices will hit India hard. We will build a protective shield for Kerala in the tough times ahead,” he said.
In conclusion, he strongly urged voters to reject personality-driven politics. “Kerala is a land of plurality and compassion. The state does not need a leader who says ‘only I can rule’.” Kerala believes in humility,” he said.
Published – 06 Apr 2026 20:46 IST
