At central Travancore rally, Rahul promises to raise rubber price to ₹250

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed election rallies organized by the United Democratic Front (UDF) on a whirlwind tour of Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts on Monday.

During his campaign journey, which started from Adoor in the morning, he was also seen taking a short bike ride in Pampady in Puthuppally constituency, where he campaigned for UDF candidate Chandy Oommen. Senior Congress leaders including Ramesh Chennithala and KC Venugopal attended the events.

Addressing an election rally in Pampady, Mr. Gandhi announced that the next UDF government will fix the price of rubber at ₹250 per kg in its first Cabinet meeting. “This will be the first decision of the newly formed Kerala Cabinet. While the initial price will be ₹0.250, it will later be increased to ₹300 per kg as mentioned in the UDF manifesto,” he said.

He also announced that the public health insurance scheme proposed by UDF, which offers cover up to ₹ 25 lakh, will be named in honor of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

Stepping up his criticism of the Union government, Mr Gandhi targeted the current administration’s foreign policy, its alleged proximity to business interests and the functioning of the State government. Making a sharp comparison, he said that just like Donald Trump “controls” Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister also has influence over the Kerala Chief Minister.

“Despite portraying himself as the protector of temples and Hinduism, Mr. Modi has not spoken out against the LDF government or its leaders on the alleged gold theft at the Sabarimala temple. This is because he wants the LDF to remain in power in Kerala,” he alleged.

He also claimed that those who oppose Mr Modi face scrutiny and action. “Everyone knows that anyone who opposes Mr. Modi is being targeted. Why is the Kerala Chief Minister not being questioned or investigated? Why is there no case against him or his family? Because they are partners. The BJP knows that the Left cannot oppose this at the national level. Only the Congress has the strength, determination and ideology to do this,” he said.

Mr Gandhi also criticized the Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill 2026, claiming that it effectively centralizes access to external finance. “The system is designed so that certain organizations have access to funds while others are excluded,” he said.