Rahul Gandhi Launches Kerala Campaign, Alleges Left–BJP Nexus and Unveils Welfare Promises

Adoor, March 2026 : Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday kicked off his Assembly election campaign in Kerala with a sharp attack on the ruling Left government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging a “hidden understanding” between the two while presenting a series of welfare promises aimed at voters ahead of the April 9 polls.

Addressing a large public gathering in Adoor amid intense heat, Gandhi thanked supporters for their turnout and framed the election as a direct contest between the United Democratic Front (UDF) and what he described as an informal alliance between the Left and the BJP. “On one side is the UDF, and on the other is a combination of the Left and the BJP,” he said, claiming that the BJP does not consider the Left a serious political threat at the national level.

Gandhi further alleged that opposition leaders who strongly challenge the BJP often face investigations and pressure, citing his own experiences. In contrast, he claimed that leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Left government in Kerala do not face the same level of scrutiny.

In his speech, Gandhi also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of maintaining silence on sensitive issues in Kerala, including the Sabarimala Temple controversy, to avoid politically harming the Left.

Launching a broader critique of governance, Gandhi said the current state administration under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan no longer reflects traditional Left ideology. Instead, he alleged that it has adopted “corporate-friendly” policies similar to those of the BJP. He also highlighted the difficulties faced by rubber farmers, arguing that both the state and central governments have failed to adequately support the sector and protect small producers.

Positioning the UDF as a people-centric alternative, Gandhi announced a range of welfare initiatives. These include free bus travel for women in state-run transport services, a monthly allowance of Rs 1,000 for college-going girls, and an increase in welfare pensions to Rs 3,000.

He also promised a comprehensive health insurance scheme providing coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh per family, along with Rs 5 lakh loans to encourage small-scale entrepreneurship. Additionally, Gandhi proposed the creation of a dedicated ministry for senior citizens to address their needs more effectively.

Emphasising economic growth, employment, and self-reliance, Gandhi stressed the importance of strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and boosting agriculture in the state. “This microphone I speak into is ‘Made in China’; it should be made in Kerala,” he remarked, underscoring the need to promote local manufacturing.

Kerala is set to vote on April 9 to elect 140 members to its Legislative Assembly. Gandhi is scheduled to continue his campaign with further public meetings, including engagements in Kottayam later in the day.