'Voting for CPM is equivalent to voting for BJP'; Rahul Gandhi, Kharge allege LDF-BJP deal

KOZHIKODE: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated allegations of a deal between the LDF and BJP in the Assembly elections. They were speaking at an election rally held in Kozhikode, where Rahul Gandhi addressed the gathering online.

Rahul Gandhi said that while the UDF is trying to unite people, the BJP is promoting division, and the LDF is supporting it. He alleged that leaders like him who oppose the BJP are being targeted through cases by the Enforcement Directorate, while corruption cases against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan are not being pursued further. He said this is clear evidence of a political deal.

He also said that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pinarayi Vijayan have failed to fulfil their promises of providing jobs—two crore jobs annually by Modi and 40 lakh jobs by Vijayan. Rahul Gandhi added that both parties do not even accept the people’s right to question them.

Mallikarjun Kharge said that there is a strong undercurrent of understanding between the LDF and BJP in Kerala. "Voting for the CPM is equivalent to voting for the BJP. The BJP is indirectly helping the CPM win. That is why it has not fielded strong candidates in many constituencies. The LDF stands with the BJP, not with the people. Voters must support the UDF if they want change," Kharge said.

Both leaders also announced key promises that would be implemented if the UDF came to power. These include free travel for women in KSRTC buses, a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000 for female college students, a social security pension of Rs 3,000, health insurance coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh under a scheme named after Oommen Chandy, and interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh for young people to start businesses. These are part of the “Indira Guarantee” program.