Kannur

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) to win the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. He claimed that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is facing a combined challenge from both the LDF and the BJP.

Addressing an election rally in Kannur, Gandhi said the contest in Kerala is a battle between two ideologies — the Left Front led by CPI(M) and the Congress-led UDF. However, he expressed surprise over what he described as an unusual understanding between the Left and the BJP, despite their opposing ideologies.

Gandhi questioned how a Left party could align with a Right-wing party, calling it a puzzling situation. He pointed to the presence of former CPI(M) leaders V Kunhikrishnan and T K Govindan on the UDF stage, noting that they are contesting as independents with Congress support instead of backing the Left.

He alleged that the current Left Front is no longer a true Left or centrist force and accused it of acting like a corporate-backed formation. According to him, leaders with genuine Left values are now aligning with the Congress, which he said reflects a shift in political ground realities.

Gandhi also criticised the BJP’s approach in Kerala, saying that while it often raises religious issues elsewhere, it remains silent on local concerns such as the Sabarimala gold loss issue. He alleged involvement of CPI(M) leaders in the matter and questioned why the BJP has not taken a strong stand.

He further claimed that the Prime Minister avoids discussing such issues in Kerala because it suits the BJP politically for the LDF to remain in power. Gandhi said this shows a hidden understanding between the two parties.