KOCHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the state government was deceiving the Kerala youth who are at the top of knowledge and thinking ability by not providing job opportunities or encouragement. Speaking at the 'Yuvam' programme in Kochi, Modi also mentioned about gold smuggling in Kerala.

"On one hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party government is working round the clock to increase the exports of this country. On the other hand, some people in Kerala focus on things like gold smuggling day and night," Modi said.

"Kerala should keep up with the rapid progress of the country. However, one group works for the party and another for a family rather than the interest of the people of Kerala. The youth of Kerala are thus losing a lot of opportunities. The government at the Centre knows the desires and aspirations of the youth of Kerala. The Centre has been implementing projects for the youth for the last nine years. It is making efforts to make these projects available to the youth of Kerala as well," he said.

"Job fairs are organized to get government jobs. However, the government of Kerala has no interest in creating employment opportunities for the youth. Efforts are not being made to fill the vacancies. Efforts should be made to utilize the talents of the youth of Kerala more," he said.

"The world can be invited to Kerala because of its amazing natural beauty, cultural and artistic heritage and traditional medicine. Dream-like achievements can be achieved in the field of tourism. However, no such efforts were made by the state government," Modi added.

Modi also said that through Digital India, through the possibilities of artificial intelligence and science and technology, the excellence of Malayalis can be brought to the world.

Hundreds of students and youngsters participated in the function which was held at Thevara SH College ground. BJP state president K Surendran presided. Anil Antony, Union Minister V Muraleedharan, Suresh Gopi, MPs Prakash Javadekar, Radhamohan Aggarwal, actresses Aparna Balamurali, Navya Nair, singer Vijay Yesudas, actor Unni Mukundan and others were present.