Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive gathering of party workers at the Putarikandam ground on Friday. During his address, he said that just as the BJP began its journey by winning the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation in Gujarat and has been ruling the state ever since, the party has now made its beginning in Kerala by winning a city (municipal corporation).
Modi said, “Before 1987, the BJP in Gujarat was a party that faced continuous defeats. But in 1987, the people of Ahmedabad gave the BJP an opportunity to serve them. The people tested the BJP’s work, and that is how they repeatedly gave the Bharatiya Janata Party the opportunity to govern Gujarat. Similarly, we are starting with one city in Kerala. The BJP’s victory in Thiruvananthapuram is historic. Its echoes are being heard across the country today. I express my gratitude to the people for giving the BJP the opportunity to serve Thiruvananthapuram. Thank you, Thiruvananthapuram. The foundation for BJP rule in Kerala has now been laid.” Modi began his speech with the words “Namaskaram, Thiruvananthapuram.” He said it was his good fortune to be on this sacred land of Sri Padmanabha. He paid homage to the wisdom of Sri Narayana Guru, the guidance of Mahatma Ayyankali, and the selfless service of Mannathu Padmanabhan. He said that the BJP’s victory in Thiruvananthapuram also reflects the resolve to free Kerala from the corrupt rule of the LDF and UDF. He congratulated all those who have shown faith in the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Modi said that when he goes to programs in different parts of the country, people express their love in many ways, sometimes through paintings and sometimes in other ways. But there are some people who insult this by calling it ‘drama’ and making ‘reels’ about it. He said, “You may continue doing this. But the number of people who love me is ten times more than those who make such reels.” The Prime Minister further stated that what was stagnant until now has begun to change, and there is confidence that Thiruvananthapuram will become a model for the entire country. He assured full cooperation from the central government in the efforts to make Thiruvananthapuram the best city in the country.
PM Modi said, “For the last seven decades, the LDF and UDF have done injustice to the people of Thiruvananthapuram. Due to their corruption, Thiruvananthapuram has lagged behind even in basic sectors. But that time is over now. We are starting efforts towards a ‘Developed Thiruvananthapuram’. What has not changed until now will change now.” Presiding over the function, State BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that the party had fulfilled its promise of bringing the Prime Minister within 45 days of the BJP taking over the administration of Thiruvananthapuram. Mayor V.V. Rajesh informed that a development document would be prepared and submitted to the Prime Minister after some conferences and development seminars of the municipal corporation in February.
During the program, the Prime Minister embraced V.V. Rajesh and raised his hand to greet the public. Rajeev Chandrasekhar and NDA state convener Thushar Vellappally presented the Prime Minister with an idol of Lord Ayyappa. Mayor V.V. Rajesh and Deputy Mayor Asha Nath also presented gifts to the Prime Minister.
