BJP's Rajeev Chandrasekhar launches Vikasita Kerala campaign
Kicking off the Vikasita Keralam conventions here on Monday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar declared that the slogan 'Vikasita Keralam' is not just rhetoric but a commitment to the people of the State. He slammed the ruling Left government for its financial mismanagement.
'A State where KSRTC employees go unpaid and ASHAs protest for months is spending ₹100 crore on anniversary celebrations. It's a betrayal of public trust,' he said.
Mr. Chandrasekhar said the transformation brought by the Narendra Modi government since 2014 is being recognised globally, while Kerala remains in a State of stagnation.
'From a weak, corruption-ridden country to a global economic powerhouse — this is the change the people voted for in 2014. But why hasn't Kerala caught up? From defence to diplomacy, from economy to global respect— India has developed. Yet, Kerala stands still.'
He accused the Congress of spreading false propaganda, including blaming the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Corruption ran rampant before 2014 and even India's national security was compromised, he alleged.
Mr. Chandrasekhar highlighted that global tech giants like Apple are investing just 500 km away in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, creating thousands of jobs — yet none of it is flowing into Kerala.
He took a direct swipe at the Kerala Chief Minister for refusing a ₹3,000 increment to ASHAs while celebrating the government's anniversary with a massive budget. 'This is the same government that won't spend to protect coastal communities or help 610 families in Munambam, but finds money to celebrate itself,' he said. The BJP chief asserted that BJP is the only party capable of driving real transformation in the State, he added.
Senior BJP leaders including M.T. Ramesh, Sobha Surendran, A.N. Radhakrishnan and many others addressed the convention.
Mr. Chandrasekhar also issued strategic guidelines for winning upcoming local body elections during a meeting with district-level office bearers. He also visited an RSS training camp in Thrissur and inaugurated the South District Convention in Kodungallur.
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