Communists do not respect Indian history, culture: Modi in Kerala over Sabarimala

Sounding the poll bugle for the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday launched a blistering attack on the CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala and Congress-led UDF opposition on the Sabarimala women entry issue and said both parties were two sides of the same coin. Addressing a huge gathering of BJP workers here, Modi said for the last few months, the entire nation has been talking about Sabarimala. Tearing into the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government, Modi said its conduct in the Sabarimala issue will go down in history as one of the "most shameful behaviours" by any party and government.

The Prime Minister said Kerala has today "become hostage to the corruption and communalism" of LDF and UDF. "For last few months the entire nation have been talking about Sabarimala. The conduct of Kerala LDF government on the Sabarimala issue will go down in history as one of the most shameful behaviours by any party and government," he said.

"We know that the communists do not respect the Indian history, culture and spirituality but nobody imagined they would have such hatred," he said. He said it pains him to know that "Kerala of spirituality and tranquility, the Kerala of harmony and happiness" has became "hostage to the corruption and communalism" by the LDF and UDF.

"These alliances have been rotating power between them for their love for power, they have forgotten to hear the voice of the people," Modi said. Slamming the alleged "multiple stand" taken by the opposition Congress and the party-led front UDF, he urged them to clear their stand on the Sabarimala issue. "They say one thing in Parliament and another in Pathanamthitta (where the Lord Ayyappa shrine is located). I challenge the UDF to clearly state your stand on the Sabarimala issue" he said. "Your double stand has been exposed," he added.

"Our stand on this issue has always been clear. BJP was the only party which stood by the devotees," Modi said. Alleging that both LDF and UDF were "two sides of the same coin," Modi said the Congress and Communists were talking about gender justice in the Sabarimala issue but there actions were "exactly the opposite."

"The Left and the Congress make all claims about the gender justice and social justice. But actions are exactly opposite. We were working hard to abolish Triple Talaq. But the communists and Congress are opposing our move," he said. He said the UDF and the LDF were engaged in "vote bank politics" by supporting triple talaq.

Meanwhile, the CPI(M) lashed out at the Prime Minister through its Twitter handle. "Shameful that Modi attacked the LDF government for implementing Supreme Court's order on Sabarimala while inaugurating a project in Kollam in Kerala. Modi should read the Indian constitution which he is sworn to uphold rather than Manusmriti or RSS oath," the party tweeted. On the other hand, the Congress said the PM's speech was a reflection of BJP's decision to use Sabarimala as a political opportunity.

During his speech, the Prime Minister also flayed the Muslim League's stand on the recent 10 per cent reservation for poor sections of the society. "A few days ago, our government had the historic opportunity to pass legislation that gives 10 per cent quota to poor people from general category. We believe that every Indian of any caste creed or community deserves equal opportunity. We have also made provisions to increase the number of seats in all institutions. So that justice is done for all sections," he said. "We want everyone to get equal opportunity and for this we have taken necessary steps. Do you know the three MPs who opposed the bill? It is the Indian Union Muslim League, the second largest partner of UDF. We want to do social justice but the UDF do not agree with us," Modi added.

Hitting out at the UDF and LDF, he said "They are different in name, but in damaging Kerala's cultural fabric, they are the same. UDF and LDF are different names but in political violence they are the same. Different in name, but in neglecting Kerala's yuvashakthi, they are the same," he said. He accused both party-led fronts of "ignoring the poor." "We have taken steps to double the income of farmers by 2022. More loans, irrigation facilities, technology, bigger markets all are being done for them," he said. The moment BJP government left the office in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan farmers started queuing up for urea, he said.

Modi praised cashew nuts from Kollam and said the entire world loved it. "What have these LDF-UDF governments done for the welfare of cashew farmers? If BJP government comes to power, it will be developing the cashew sector," Modi said. He said the NDA government was for everyone and pointed out how the Centre made efforts in bringing back the nurses abducted by the ISIS terrorists. He also cited the case of Father Tom Uzhunnalil, who was held hostage by militants in Yemen, and later freed due to the Centre's efforts. Warning the ruling-CPI-M-led LDF, he pointed out what happened to the party in Tripura.

Indicating that the BJP could make better strides in Kerala, he cited the example of Tripura where his party trumped the CPI (M) to form the government last year. "The violence, attacks and all at us cannot demoralise our karyakarthas. They should understand what happened in Tripura. We made a government out of nothing. The people of Kerala see BJP as party that can fulfill their aspirations," Modi said. He also recalled the rapid strides made by the country in attracting foreign investments in the past four years.