Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Thiruvananthapuram on Friday marked a significant moment in South Indian politics. Addressing a massive gathering, the PM didn't just focus on infrastructure but also laid out a political roadmap, comparing the current situation in Kerala to the BJP's early days in Gujarat, while he suggested that the 'Gujarat Formula' of starting from urban centers is now being replicated in the coastal state.
The 1987 Gujarat Parallel
In a direct message to his political opponents, PM Modi recalled that before 1987, the BJP was considered a marginal player in Gujarat. The turning point was the victory in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, while he linked this historical event to the BJP's recent successes in Thiruvananthapuram, stating that the people of Kerala are beginning to trust the BJP in the same way Gujarat did decades ago. This, according to him, is the beginning of a new era where Kerala seeks freedom from the alternating rule of LDF and UDF.
Boosting Rail Connectivity in the South
To enhance regional mobility, the Prime Minister flagged off four new train services, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains. These trains will connect key cities like Nagercoil, Mangaluru, Tambaram, and Charlapalli. A new passenger service between Thrissur and Guruvayur was also inaugurated. These projects are expected to bolster tourism, trade, and cultural exchange across Andhra Pradesh,. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana, making travel more affordable and safer for the common man.
Thiruvananthapuram as a Startup Powerhouse
Emphasizing the role of technology, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Hub. He envisioned Thiruvananthapuram as a premier startup hub for India. By integrating science with entrepreneurship, the government aims to empower the youth of Kerala to lead the nation's digital and industrial revolution. The PM noted that urban centers are the engines of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India).
Empowering Street Vendors with PM SVANidhi
A major highlight of the visit was the launch of the PM SVANidhi Credit Card. This UPI-linked, interest-free revolving credit facility is designed to provide immediate financial liquidity to street vendors. PM Modi distributed loans to over 1 lakh beneficiaries in Kerala, highlighting the government's commitment to the 'Antyodaya' vision—serving the last person in the queue, while this move is expected to boost digital transactions and help small-scale vendors build a formal credit history.
A Challenge to LDF and UDF
Taking a swipe at the state's traditional political blocs, PM Modi stated that Kerala is tired of the 'match-fixing' between the LDF and UDF. He claimed that the people are looking for a third alternative that prioritizes development over petty politics, while the Prime Minister’s visit has clearly set the stage for a high-octane political battle in the upcoming elections, with the BJP positioning itself as the harbinger of change in the South.