Modi Cracks Down on Corruption in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Vows to End Dynastic Rule Ahead of Polls
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a high-stakes campaign in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, intensifying his outreach in both poll-bound states. Modi kicked off his southern tour from Thiruvananthapuram, launching a scathing attack on the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government in Tamil Nadu. In Kerala, Modi accused the CPI(M)-led ruling alliance of creating hurdles in the implementation of central government schemes, promoting corruption, and misgovernance. He also targeted the Congress, accusing it of adopting a communal and communist agenda. Modi promised to end the LDF's "dangerous politics of appeasement" and "anti-poor actions" if an NDA government is formed. In his address, Modi referred to the Sabarimala gold case, accusing the Kerala government of tarnishing the traditions of Lord Ayyappa. He vowed to put the culprits in jail if a BJP government is formed. Modi's visit to Kerala also saw him launching a slew of development projects, including four new trains and a CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub. He also flagged off the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, a UPI-linked, interest-free revolving credit facility. In Tamil Nadu, Modi targeted the DMK government, accusing it of promoting corruption, lawlessness, and dynastic politics. He coined the abbreviation "CMC" to describe the DMK, accusing it of being a Corruption, Mafia, Crime promoting government. Modi vowed to rid Tamil Nadu of corruption and promised to ensure the safety of women if an NDA government is formed. The BJP has historically struggled to make inroads in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, but Modi's visit is seen as an attempt to change that. The party has traditionally relied on alliances rather than an independent vote base in the state. Reactions to Modi's visit have been mixed, with the CPI(M) and Congress accusing him of trying to polarize the states and undermine the Constitution. The DMK and AIADMK have also dismissed Modi's charges, with DMK president MK Stalin saying the BJP won't succeed in improving its showing in the state.
