Kerala polls: Amit Shah reaches out to Christians, seeks support to form NDA govt in state

KOCHI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday appealed to the Christian community to back the NDA, urging it to help form the next govt in Kerala."On the occasion of Easter, I appeal to brothers and sisters, especially followers of Jesus, to stand with the NDA and help build a prosperous Kerala," he told a public meeting in Kolenchery, Ernakulam, while campaigning for T20 candidate Babu Divakaran.Shah's outreach comes amid concerns among sections of the Christian community over proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.Claiming that the NDA's plank of "justice for all, appeasement of none" was evident in its work, he said the Centre acted firmly against the Popular Front of India for anti-India activities. He accused both the LDF and UDF of opposing the ban and maintaining ties with outfits such as SDPI and Jamaat-e-Islami.

"Kerala is not safe under either front," he said.He also targeted the fronts over the Munambam land dispute, claiming they "kept silent" when the Waqf Board attempted to take over land of local residents. "That is why the Waqf Amendment Bill was brought," he said, adding that the UDF and LDF are "two sides of the same coin."Shah alleged that the Congress-led UDF and CPM-led LDF fight in Kerala but align elsewhere. "They are also at the forefront of corruption," he said, pitching an NDA govt led by Narendra Modi as essential for the state's development.

Highlighting the NDA's growth, Shah said its vote share in Kerala rose from 14% in 2014 to 20% in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and would increase further. He also promised an AIIMS within two years if the NDA comes to power, and said those behind the alleged Sabarimala gold misappropriation would be jailed. Taking a swipe at CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Shah accused him of merely rebranding centrally sponsored schemes. He also targeted Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of spreading misinformation on fuel prices. Shah claimed that while fuel prices have risen globally, India has avoided rationing or disruptions due to the Centre's management. He also criticised a recent protest by Congress activists at an AI summit in Delhi. Later in the day, Shah addressed a public meeting in Kattakada, Thiruvananthapuram, where he raised similar charges. He also held a roadshow in Beypore constituency earlier in the day. Amit Shah's Beypore roadshow draws crowd Kozhikode: Union home minister Amit Shah held a roadshow in Beypore constituency on Sunday in support of BJP candidate K P Prakash Babu. Hundreds of party workers and voters, including women who lined both sides of the route, turned out to greet Shah, who travelled in an open jeep amid the rhythmic accompaniment of panchavadyam and colourful displays, arriving around 11.20am. Shah boarded the open vehicle at Mathottam Junction, waving to the crowd and showering flower petals on supporters gathered along roadside. The roadshow, held under tight security with over 800 state police personnel, central forces and revenue officials deployed, concluded in front of Milma factory at Naduvattom. Beypore is witnessing a keen contest this time, with former MLA P V Anvar pitted against PWD minister P A Mohamed Riyas. Babu is in the fray for third time, with BJP focusing on consolidating and expanding its vote share in the constituency. Babu, BJP state general secretary M T Ramesh, national committee member K P Sreeshan Master and BJP district general secretary M Suresh were among those who greeted public.