Kerala polls: Modi triggers Sabarimala issue while Priyanka raises 'love jihad' row

Modi also alleged that the LDF government betrayed Kerala for a few pieces of gold like Judas betrayed Jesus

Triggering the Sabarimala women’s entry issue as the electioneering is peaking in Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused the ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and Opposition party the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala of practising adjustment politics.

Meanwhile, AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra triggered the ‘love jihad’ and Hathras issue to allege similarities between the CPM and the BJP.

Addressing an election campaign meeting at Palakkad in Kerala where ‘Metro Man’ E Sreedharan is contesting from BJP, Modi said that while the LDF government used lathis against the devotees over the Sabarimala issue, the UDF remained a mute spectator. The BJP only defended the culture of the land and he was proud of it. Party President K Surendran was arrested for protecting the traditions. The BJP would not remain a mute spectator if the LDF and the UDF abused the culture, Modi added.

Read: Kerala polls: After widespread criticism, Joice George withdraws remarks against Rahul

Modi alleged that Kerala has witnessed ‘match-fixing’ by the UDF and the LDF who were ruling Kerala successively. He alleged that the LDF government betrayed Kerala for a few pieces of gold like Judas betrayed Jesus. He also accused the LDF of political violence and killings in the state.

Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra who attended a series of roadshows and public meetings in South Kerala said that the LDF and the BJP were on the same lines with regard to their stand on ‘love jihad’. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is raising issues like ‘love jihad’ during his speeches in Kerala and now a coalition partner of CPM is also speaking on a similar line, she said, referring to a remark of Kerala Congress (Mani) leader Jose K Mani, a new entrant to the LDF, that concerns over ‘love jihad’ should be addressed.

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

Priyanka added that the Kerala government was dealing with the sexual assault and death of two minor sisters at Walayar in Kerala, in the same manner, the UP government dealt with the Harthras case.

She referred to the recent row over deal with a US firm for deep-sea trawler manufacturing as well as gold smuggling issue to attack the Pinarayi Vijayan government.