By Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called on the people of Kerala to give the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) an opportunity to govern the state, arguing that a political shift was necessary to unlock its development potential. Addressing a large gathering in Kochi, the Prime Minister said Kerala had spent decades alternating between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF), and it was time to explore a different governance model.
Launching the NDA’s campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections, Modi urged voters to grant the alliance a five-year mandate, promising that such an opportunity would allow the government to implement a long-term development roadmap for the state. According to him, Kerala’s natural advantages—ranging from its scenic coastline and tourism potential to its skilled workforce—remain underutilised due to policy stagnation and political rivalry between the two dominant fronts.
The Prime Minister said the NDA had prepared a “Viksit Keralam” vision plan aimed at boosting economic growth and expanding new sectors of opportunity. The strategy includes developing Kerala as a global hub for medical tourism, promoting the state as a destination for weddings and international conferences, and expanding cultural events that attract global visitors.
Modi argued that these initiatives could help strengthen Kerala’s service sector and create employment opportunities for young people. He emphasised that the state already has a strong base of educated youth and technological talent, which could play a larger role in the country’s innovation ecosystem if supported by favourable policies and investment.
During his address, the Prime Minister also highlighted India’s growing technological capabilities, particularly in emerging sectors such as drone manufacturing and start-up innovation. He noted that many young entrepreneurs across the country, including those from Kerala, are building businesses around new technologies and contributing to India’s expanding start-up ecosystem.
At the same time, Modi criticised both the LDF and UDF, accusing them of maintaining a political system that limits competition and slows development. According to him, the two alliances have dominated Kerala politics for decades while frequently blaming each other for governance failures.
The Prime Minister alleged that controversies and corruption cases during previous administrations had eroded public trust in traditional political formations. He said the NDA was presenting itself as an alternative focused on transparency, development and long-term economic planning.
Modi also briefly addressed concerns related to the situation in the Gulf region, noting that many Keralites work in West Asian countries. He said the Indian government was closely monitoring developments and that diplomatic missions were providing continuous assistance to Indian citizens living in the region.
The rally brought together several senior leaders from the BJP and its regional allies, who are attempting to expand the NDA’s political footprint in Kerala. Among those present were Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union minister Suresh Gopi, Union minister George Kurian and Bharath Dharma Jana Sena leader Thushar Vellappally.
Political analysts say the NDA faces a challenging electoral landscape in Kerala, where the state’s politics has historically been dominated by the LDF and UDF coalitions. However, the BJP has been attempting to increase its presence through alliances with regional groups and targeted outreach campaigns.
With the election campaign beginning to gather momentum, Modi’s visit is expected to set the tone for the NDA’s broader strategy in the state in the months ahead.
