'Have your lives improved in the last 10 years?' Priyanka Gandhi’s speech energises crowd

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid scorching heat, a large crowd that had been waiting since noon at the Salvation Army School ground in Kowdiar came alive with the arrival of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. She reached the venue around 3:45 pm and was greeted with thunderous applause. Dressed in a pink cotton churidar, Priyanka drew comparisons to Indira Gandhi. KPCC General Secretary Mariapuram Sreekumar remarked that her presence felt as though Indira Gandhi herself was on stage, even describing her as a reincarnation of the former prime minister. Priyanka responded with a smile as she listened.

Priyanka Gandhi began her speech by asking, “Have your lives improved in the last 10 years?” She went on to list sectors such as healthcare, education, employment, and entrepreneurship. The crowd responded loudly with a “no” to each.

She alleged that the government is ignoring people’s issues, pointing to the neglect of protests by ASHA and Anganwadi workers, as well as the lack of support for fishermen. “This is an opportunity to change a government that has done nothing,” she said.

Priyanka further accused the government of trying to stay in power at any cost. “This government is attempting to remain in power by any means, and for that, Pinarayi is secretly aligning with the BJP,” she alleged, referring to Pinarayi Vijayan.

She also said, “The Chief Minister is bowing before the Prime Minister to protect himself in corruption cases.”

Continuing her criticism, she added, “Modi bows before the United States and Israel to protect himself. We are being governed by leaders who lack the courage to stand up for their country and state, and who engage in political compromises.”

“What is happening here?”
She said that those in power have a responsibility to answer to the people, but claimed that this has not been happening in Kerala for the past 10 years. She pointed out that many people, including nurses, are leaving the state due to the lack of job opportunities.

She also alleged that minorities are facing widespread attacks across the country and that people from Kerala have been attacked in several places. She questioned, “What is happening here?” and accused the government of ignoring people’s needs.

Priyanka said this election is not just about choosing a government, but an opportunity to restore democracy in Kerala. She urged voters to think about the future of the state while casting their votes.

Concluding her speech, she called on people to elect a new government and create a “new Kerala.” She then greeted K Muraleedharan and left the stage, while the crowd stood up and waved in response. All 11 UDF candidates from Thiruvananthapuram were present on the stage along with her.