Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves at supporters on Jan 3, 2024.
Credit: PTI Photo
Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged that the I.N.D.I.A bloc was hurting faiths and using temples as means for looting.
Speaking at a women's meet, 'Sthree Shakthi Modikoppam' (women empowerment with Modi), at Thrissur in Kerala on Wednesday, Modi referred to the recent rows over rent hike for exhibition ground of the famed Thrissur Pooram festival, as well as the chaos at Sabarimala.
"I.N.D.I.A bloc only has one aim. They are hurting our faiths and are using temples as means for looting. What is happening over Thrissur Pooram and Sabarimala temple were unfortunate. It was due to the government's inefficiency," alleged PM Modi.
He also alleged that CPM and Congress which ruled Kerala for years were indulging in corruption.
"Both Congress and CPM have the same ideologies and are part of the I.N.D.I.A bloc. BJP will defeat I.N.D.I.A bloc in Kerala," he said.
Modi's Kerala visit is widely considered as a kickstart to BJP's campaigning in Kerala aimed at opening an account in the Lok Sabha from the state. The event took place in Thrissur - a seat where BJP is pinning its hopes. Actor-turned-MP Suresh Gopi, who fared well at Thrissur in the last elections is tipped to be BJP candidate in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. He also accompanied Modi in the road show.
Amidst attempts by BJP to make inroads into the Christian vote banks of Kerala, Modi said that he was thankful that he got an opportunity to host heads of various churches and intellectuals from the Christian community.
They hailed BJP government. BJP respects faiths of all sections, and hence, the party won elections in many Christian-dominated northeastern states, he added.
Pictures of PM Modi with Pope Francis and Saint Alphonsa - the first woman of Indian origin to be canonised - were also seen at the venue.
Thousands of women who turned up for the event gave a rousing reception to Modi during the road show by showering flowers. Throughout his speech, Modi repeatedly addressed the women in Malayalam as 'ammamare sahodarimare' (mothers and sisters).
He also highlighted various schemes and initiatives of BJP for women and said that those were 'Modiyude guarantee' (Modi's guarantee) in Malayalam. He also said that BJP government passed the women reservation bill that was being delayed by Congress and Left parties.
Known women personalities from Kerala, including young cricketer Minnu Mani from Wayanad, shared the stage with PM Modi.