Kozhikode, March 25: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge formally launched the election campaign for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala on Wednesday. During the event, he launched a sharp attack on the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the BJP.
Addressing a large public gathering in Kozhikode, Kharge alleged that there is an internal understanding between the LDF, led by the CPI(M), and the BJP. He stated, “Votes given to the CPI(M) actually benefit the BJP.” Kharge claimed that the BJP’s decision to field weak candidates in several constituencies is indicative of this alleged political understanding, aimed at keeping the Congress-led UDF out of power.
He pointed out that Kerala has had a leftist government for the past ten years, but the state is now seeking change. Kharge questioned the government regarding rising debt, unemployment, and social issues, asking what the LDF has delivered after being in power for a decade.
According to Kharge, the state is burdened with a debt of approximately ₹6 lakh crore, with per capita debt reaching around ₹1.7 lakh. He sarcastically noted that instead of development, “the number of liquor shops has increased.”
The Congress President also raised concerns about law and order and administration. He claimed that Kerala has become one of the top states in the country for drug-related cases, with only Punjab ahead. He further criticized the deteriorating state of healthcare services, the poor condition of hospitals, and backdoor appointments.
Referring to the Sabarimala issue, Kharge accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s government of failing to protect the temple’s traditions. He also targeted the government over gold smuggling cases.
He criticized “headline-grabbing promises,” calling the claim of Lionel Messi’s visit to Kerala misleading. In contrast, he mentioned Rahul Gandhi’s promise to establish a FIFA-recognized stadium in the state, where players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Sunil Chhetri could play.
Kharge asserted that the Congress has fulfilled its promises in Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh. He urged voters to support the UDF, assuring them of a responsible government and a new direction for Kerala’s development.
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