Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal during an election meeting in Kannur on Tuesday. | Photo credit: SK MOHAN
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI(M)), claiming that there is a “silent partnership” between them, while the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is “the only alternative capable of protecting the socio-economic fabric of Kerala”.
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Speaking at a campaign rally in Kannur, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha said the ongoing polls were a “competition of ideologies” between the Congress and the Left, but claimed that “for the first time there is an understanding between the BJP and the CPI(M)”, which he describes as a “convergence between the extreme right and the extreme left”.
Mr Gandhi pointed to the presence of veteran CPI(M) leaders V Kunhikrishnan and TK Govindan in the UDF camp as a sign of dissent within the Left. “Those who really represent the people have moved away,” he said, claiming that both the BJP and the CPI(M) had evolved into “corporate parties detached from local interests.”
He is attacking Modi
Mr Gandhi took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of selectively raising religious issues across the country while remaining silent on controversies in Kerala, including the Sabarimala gold allegations. He questioned why the Prime Minister, “who projects himself as a defender of Hindu interests”, was not addressing such matters in the state.
The Congress leader has alleged political favoritism in the probe and claims that while he faced scrutiny from central agencies, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was not subjected to similar action.
“If there is no understanding, why is there no comparable pressure?” he asked, claiming that the BJP preferred the CPI(M) to power in Kerala because it was “more manageable” than the Congress.
He attacks economic and foreign policy
On national affairs, Mr Gandhi has criticized the Centre’s economic and foreign policies, arguing that recent deals with the United States under Mr Modi would adversely affect India’s agriculture, energy security and small businesses. He said increased imports and trade obligations would weaken domestic sectors, impacting especially farmers growing crops such as rubber corn, soybeans and fruits.
He also referred to global geopolitical tensions, including conflict in West Asia, and warned that policy decisions taken now will have long-term implications for India’s economy and access to energy.
Focusing on Kerala, Mr. Gandhi outlined a series of social measures promised by the UDF, terming them as “guarantees” aimed at addressing unemployment and welfare issues.
Key promises include free bus travel for women, a monthly stipend of ₹1,000 for female college students and interest-free loans of up to ₹5,000 for young entrepreneurs. He also announced a proposal to increase the social pension for senior citizens to ₹3,000 and to set up a dedicated ministry for their welfare.
In the health sector, the UDF has committed to a comprehensive scheme offering coverage of up to ₹ 25 lakh per family aimed at strengthening public health infrastructure and reducing the financial burden during medical emergencies.
Calling the election an “election of values”, Gandhi said Kerala’s tradition of social harmony, inclusiveness and non-violence was under threat. “This is a fight between division and unity, anger and compassion,” he said, adding that the UDF stood for “love, brotherhood and economic opportunity”.
He said the Congress was “best placed” to tackle unemployment and revive economic growth in the state, while urging voters to support the UDF in the upcoming polls.
Published – 31 March 2026 14:28 IST
