What is this match-fixing?: PM Modi attacks LDF at a rally in Kerala's Palakkad

For many years, the worst kept secret of Kerala politics was the friendly agreement of UDF and LDF, said PM Modi

PM Modi in a campaign rally for the BJP in Kerala appealed to voters saying that the saffron party has an aspirational vision for the state.

"The BJP’s vision for Kerala is forward-looking and aspirational. That is why, the youth of the state, the professional communities across the state, are openly supporting the BJP. Across India too, this trend is being seen," he said at the rally.

"Today I have come among you to seek your blessings for the BJP in the upcoming state elections. I have come here with a vision that is refreshingly different from the current situation in Kerala," said PM Modi at a rally in Palakkad.

All you need to know about Kerala Assembly elections 2021

"For many years, the worst kept secret of Kerala politics was the friendly agreement of UDF and LDF. Now, the first-time voter of Kerala is asking- what is this match-fixing?" PM Modi asked at the rally in an attack on the two alliances led by CPI(M) and Congress.

"Metro Man E Sreedharan is a son of Kerala," said PM Modi adding that Sreedharan has made major contributions to society and is not hungry for power.

"I've drawn up a master plan for this constituency which includes 24-hour water supply, efficient solid waste management scheme. I also want to have green cover for the area by planting 25 lakh trees in the next 5 years," E Sreedharan, BJP's candidate from Palakkad, said earlier at the rally where he felicitated PM Modi.

Training guns on the LDF and the UDF over the Sabarimala temple issue, Modi said, "LDF government should be ashamed of showering Lathis on innocent devotees. UDF should be ashamed of remaining silent when this was happening. I am proud to belong to a party that has, is and will always defend the culture of our land."

"I want to tell the LDF and UDF: If you abuse our culture, we will not be mute spectators," he said, referring to the agitation led by party's state unit chief K Surendran to protect faith in the state. "Our state unit President Surendran Ji was arrested and ill-treated by the Kerala government. What was his crime? That he spoke for Kerala's traditions?" Modi asked.

Taking on the Left parties on political violence in the state, Modi said they have been in power many times in Kerala but their leaders still behave like junior level goons or party leaders. "Under their eyes and with their blessings, political rivals are killed, hacked, beaten," Modi said. He promised that if voted to power, the BJP government will stop the culture of violence in the southern state.

"In a democracy, we can have political differences. But, violence is not acceptable. So many of our young BJP Karyakartas have lost their lives. A BJP government in Kerala will stop this culture of violence", Modi said.

(With inputs from PTI)