Senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his perceived silence on the Sabarimala temple issue, alleging a tacit alliance between the BJP and the CPI(M)-led LDF ahead of the April 9 Assembly elections.
Addressing an election rally in Adoor, Rahul Gandhi said the Prime Minister’s failure to mention the Sabarimala Temple issue during his recent visit to Palakkad indicated a “tactical understanding” between the BJP and the ruling Left Democratic Front.
Accusing LDF leaders of corruption, he referred to the alleged Sabarimala gold theft and questioned why central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate had not taken action against the Kerala Chief Minister.
“Wherever the Prime Minister goes, he speaks about temples and religion. But during his visit to Palakkad, he conveniently avoided mentioning Sabarimala and the issues surrounding the Lord Ayyappa temple,” Rahul Gandhi said.
He further alleged that BJP leaders had ignored accusations that LDF leaders “stole gold from the Ayyappa temple and replaced it with brass,” remarks he made at Adoor in Pathanamthitta district, home to the revered shrine.
The Congress leader claimed that the BJP views the Congress-led UDF as its only serious national challenger. “The BJP knows that the LDF cannot challenge it at the national level. If the BJP is in power at the Centre, any LDF government in Kerala remains under its control,” he said.
Rahul Gandhi argued that his allegations were aimed at convincing voters that supporting the LDF would indirectly benefit the BJP, as the Left lacks national reach.
Alleging selective use of investigative agencies, he said leaders opposing the BJP face scrutiny, citing his own experience of multiple legal cases and prolonged questioning, while claiming no similar pressure was applied on Kerala’s Chief Minister.
“Everybody knows that the LDF leadership is corrupt. Cases are ongoing, but there is no pressure, no interrogation, no threats from the BJP,” he said.
He also made sharp remarks on international influence, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is under pressure from Donald Trump due to financial concerns, and drew a parallel with the Kerala leadership.
Concluding his address, Rahul Gandhi reiterated that the Congress party would implement its “five guarantees” if voted to power in the state.