By Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday formally set the tone for the BJP’s 2026 Kerala Assembly election campaign, combining infrastructure announcements, welfare initiatives and symbolic outreach in a high-visibility visit to Thiruvananthapuram. The trip, packed with project launches and political messaging, signalled the party’s intent to aggressively expand its footprint in a state where it has historically struggled to secure electoral breakthroughs.
Arriving to a grand reception at the state capital, the Prime Minister was welcomed by senior BJP leaders, the Kerala Governor and other dignitaries. Party workers lined the streets in large numbers, turning the visit into a show of strength ahead of what is expected to be a tightly contested election season. For the BJP, the visit was not merely administrative — it marked the formal beginning of its campaign push in the southern state.
Rail Expansion and Regional Connectivity
A major highlight of the visit was the flagging off of four new train services, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains and one passenger service. The projects are aimed at expanding rail connectivity between Kerala and neighbouring states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The new services are expected to improve passenger mobility, strengthen trade routes and support tourism flows across southern India. BJP leaders described the move as part of a broader infrastructure push designed to integrate Kerala more closely with national growth corridors.
Development Pitch in Public Address
Addressing a large public gathering, the Prime Minister framed Kerala’s development as integral to India’s broader economic trajectory. He highlighted central government investments in urban infrastructure, housing schemes, digital services and welfare initiatives, arguing that coordinated governance between the Centre and the state would accelerate progress.
Switching briefly to Malayalam during his speech, Modi sought to connect directly with the audience, drawing applause from the crowd. He referenced recent local body election performances to energise party cadres and reiterated the BJP’s call for a “double engine government” — a phrase the party uses to describe having the same political formation governing both the state and the Centre.
Welfare Outreach: PM SVANidhi Credit Card
In a move aimed at urban informal workers, the Prime Minister launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card — a UPI-linked, interest-free credit facility for street vendors. During the programme, select beneficiaries received loan approvals, underscoring the scheme’s focus on small entrepreneurs and self-employed workers.
Party strategists view welfare-linked financial inclusion as a potential entry point into Kerala’s urban voter base, particularly among small traders and daily earners.
Engagement With Religious Leaders
The Prime Minister also met prominent seers and spiritual leaders from across Kerala. Discussions reportedly centred on cultural heritage, social harmony and community development. The outreach was seen as both symbolic and strategic, reflecting the BJP’s effort to broaden its social coalition in a state known for its diverse religious landscape.
Political Significance
Senior BJP leaders, including Rajeev Chandrasekhar and state functionaries, shared the stage with the Prime Minister, presenting traditional shawls as part of the welcome ceremony. The visual messaging reinforced unity within the party’s Kerala unit as it prepares for a high-stakes electoral battle.
With months to go before voters head to the polls, Friday’s visit served as the BJP’s opening pitch — blending infrastructure delivery, welfare expansion and political messaging. Whether the strategy translates into electoral gains in a state long dominated by the LDF and UDF fronts will become clear in 2026, but the campaign has unmistakably begun.
