Rahul Gandhi accuses Modi, Vijayan of ‘ruler mindset’, alleges BJP–LDF nexus

Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accusing them of possessing a “king-like” mindset.

Addressing an election rally at Mala in Thrissur, Gandhi said both Modi and Vijayan view themselves as rulers over the people rather than representatives working for them. He characterised their governance styles as “arrogant” and detached from the daily struggles of common citizens.

Advertisement

He reiterated his allegation that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the BJP are working as a “combined force” to defeat the United Democratic Front (UDF). Gandhi questioned why the Chief Minister, despite facing various allegations and central agency investigations, has not undergone the same level of legal scrutiny as other opposition leaders across the country, hinting at a possible tacit understanding between the two parties.

He also criticised the LDF’s “Who Else?” (Pinne Aaru) campaign slogan, calling it a reflection of arrogance and a lack of accountability to the electorate.

“There are billboards all over Kerala with the Chief Minister’s face on them. It says ‘Who else’. By suggesting that he alone can rule, it amounts to insulting all Malayalis. This is the height of arrogance. Every Malayali who looks at these posters is being insulted every moment,” he said.

“This is the same attitude seen in Modi, Amit Shah, and Himanta Biswa Sarma in Assam. Leaders should act with humility. This is not the era of maharajas. It is also an insult to the Left and other leaders to suggest that only one person can lead Kerala,” Gandhi added.

“If you believe that only you can do everything, how can you understand the pain of the common man?” he asked.

Gandhi further said that Vijayan shares a similar attitude with Modi and Shah, alleging that they see themselves as destined to rule. He added that many people in Kerala are capable of leadership, possessing the spirit, humility, and compassion of the state.

He also accused Modi of selectively raising religious issues, claiming that the Prime Minister does not speak about alleged irregularities related to the Sabarimala Temple during his visits to Kerala.