Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) of prioritising cadre interests over Kerala's development, asserting that the BJP puts Viksit Keralam (developed Kerala) above party cadre.
Addressing a public meeting in Thiruvananthapuram, Shah also claimed that India would be free of Naxalism by March 31, 2026, and praised the Modi government's efforts in combating terrorism, citing Operation Sindoor.
"Both BJP and CPM are cadre-based parties, but there's a fundamental difference. In Kerala, cadre welfare takes precedence over state development for the CPM, whereas for the BJP, development comes first," Shah said.
He added that the BJP would contest all 21,000 seats in the upcoming local body elections and urged voters to help raise the party's vote share to 25%. "We are no longer just an emerging force. We now have presence in all 21,000 wards across the state," he said.
Shah targeted both the CPI(M)-led LDF and the Congress-led UDF, accusing them of corruption and lack of progress. "Kerala has become a hub of communalism. While Prime Minister Modi banned the PFI, the state government allows it to operate freely. If you want change, you must end the rule of both UDF and LDF," he said. Drawing further contrasts between the CPM and BJP, Shah said, "The CPM is focused on personal gains, while BJP stands for development."
Inaugurating the BJP's new party office in the state, Shah called it "a temple" and a "symbol of growth," asserting the BJP's continued expansion in Kerala. "Workers are our strength-without them, there is no BJP. We are committed not just to winning elections, but to building a developed Kerala," he said.
Shah's remarks came a day after the BJP announced a major organisational revamp in Kerala under Rajeev Chandrasekhar. The restructured state committee-featuring a mix of experience and youth-aims to bolster the party ahead of the crucial local body elections.
(With agency inputs)
Addressing a public meeting in Thiruvananthapuram, Shah also claimed that India would be free of Naxalism by March 31, 2026, and praised the Modi government's efforts in combating terrorism, citing Operation Sindoor.
"Both BJP and CPM are cadre-based parties, but there's a fundamental difference. In Kerala, cadre welfare takes precedence over state development for the CPM, whereas for the BJP, development comes first," Shah said.
He added that the BJP would contest all 21,000 seats in the upcoming local body elections and urged voters to help raise the party's vote share to 25%. "We are no longer just an emerging force. We now have presence in all 21,000 wards across the state," he said.
Shah targeted both the CPI(M)-led LDF and the Congress-led UDF, accusing them of corruption and lack of progress. "Kerala has become a hub of communalism. While Prime Minister Modi banned the PFI, the state government allows it to operate freely. If you want change, you must end the rule of both UDF and LDF," he said. Drawing further contrasts between the CPM and BJP, Shah said, "The CPM is focused on personal gains, while BJP stands for development."
Inaugurating the BJP's new party office in the state, Shah called it "a temple" and a "symbol of growth," asserting the BJP's continued expansion in Kerala. "Workers are our strength-without them, there is no BJP. We are committed not just to winning elections, but to building a developed Kerala," he said.
Shah's remarks came a day after the BJP announced a major organisational revamp in Kerala under Rajeev Chandrasekhar. The restructured state committee-featuring a mix of experience and youth-aims to bolster the party ahead of the crucial local body elections.
(With agency inputs)
