While Prime Minister Narendra Modi is politically challenging West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Cooch Behar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has intensified the Bharatiya Janata Party’s campaign in Kerala, targeting both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government and the Congress party ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.
Addressing a public gathering at Kunnathunad in Ernakulam district, Amit Shah launched sharp attacks on Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. He accused opposition parties of taking credit for welfare schemes implemented by the central government and spreading misleading information among the public.
Shah Raises Ration Distribution Issue
Speaking about food distribution schemes, Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi provides five kilograms of rice to every poor citizen under central welfare programs, but alleged that the Communist government in Kerala attempts to claim credit for the initiative.
He claimed that the LDF government was misleading people by presenting centrally funded schemes as state achievements.
Remarks on National Highway and Health Mission
Referring to the construction of National Highway 66, Shah stated that the central government is bearing the full project cost, yet promotional material highlights the state leadership instead of acknowledging central support.
He further alleged that despite ₹600 crore being allocated under the National Health Mission (NHM), the state government failed to properly implement projects due to political reasons, calling it harmful to public healthcare.
Attack on Rahul Gandhi
Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks on rising fuel prices, Shah said global economic challenges have affected fuel costs worldwide but claimed that India has managed prices better compared to neighboring Pakistan.
He criticized what he described as “misleading claims” made by opposition leaders regarding economic issues.
BJP Signals Strong Push in Kerala
Amit Shah’s visit is being seen as a sign of BJP’s growing political activity in Kerala ahead of the 2026 elections. He asserted that voters in the state are tired of what he called a “friendly contest” between the LDF and UDF alliances and are seeking political change.
Shah expressed confidence that the BJP would contest elections on issues of development and nationalism, similar to its political expansion in states like Tripura.
Key Political Messages from Amit Shah’s Speech
- Misuse or misrepresentation of central schemes will not be tolerated.
- BJP will counter what it calls misleading claims by opposition leaders.
- Blocking funds like those under the National Health Mission harms public welfare.
- Voters understand the contrast between India’s development and neighboring countries.
Political observers believe Shah’s strong remarks have added new momentum to Kerala’s evolving election dynamics ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.
