'Epoch-making. Milestone written in golden letters'; PM Narendra Modi's letter to Thiruvananthapuram Mayor

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Kerala BJP for its historic victory in the local body elections in Thiruvananthapuram. The Prime Minister wrote a letter congratulating Mayor VV Rajesh and Deputy Mayor Asha Nath.

Excerpts from PM Modi’s letter to Thiruvananthapuram Mayor:

“I have fond memories of visiting Thiruvananthapuram, a city that holds a place of pride in the hearts of every Malayali. Blessed by Sree Padmanabhaswamy and being the capital of Kerala, the city has nurtured thought leaders, social reformers, artists, musicians, poets, cultural icons, saints and seers. When such a city blesses our party, it is truly humbling. Our vision to build a Viksit Thiruvananthapuram has resonated with people across all sections of society.

For decades, BJP workers in Kerala have walked a difficult path. The state’s politics has been dominated by the LDF and the UDF, whose poor governance record is evident. These fronts have also perpetuated a culture of corruption and violence that goes against Kerala’s ethos. Yet, despite adversity and hostility, our karyakartas stood firm, raised people’s issues fearlessly, carried the party flag and upheld the ideology of India First with courage. Many of them are no longer with us, but I am sure their blessings are with you.

The fixed match of the LDF and UDF, who are friends in Delhi and ‘rivals’ in Kerala, is nearing its end. Kerala wants to break free from their broken promises.”

PM Modi concluded the letter by sharing the ideas and ethos raised by Renaissance leaders like Mannath Padmanabhan. The mayor himself shared the Prime Minister's congratulatory letter on social media. He also wrote on Facebook that the letter was Modi's New Year gift.

BJP state secretary and Kodunganur ward councillor VV Rajesh took over as mayor on December 26. This was the first time in history BJP wrested power in a corporation in Kerala.