Kerala Assembly polls: Rahul Gandhi alleges BJP-Left nexus, unveils welfare ‘guarantees’

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, launched a scathing attack on both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India. [CPI(M)]While positioning the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) as “the only alternative that can preserve the socio-economic fabric of Kerala”, he claimed that there was an “tacit partnership” between the two.

Addressing an election rally in Kannur, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said the ongoing polls were “a contest of ideologies” between the Congress and the Left, but claimed that “for the first time, an understanding has emerged between the BJP and the CPI(M)”, describing it as a “convergence between the far right and the far left”.

Mr. Gandhi pointed out that the presence of senior CPI(M) leaders V. Kunhikrishnan and TK Govindan in the UDF camp was indicative of dissent within the Left. Claiming that both the BJP and the CPI(M) have turned into “corporate-driven parties disconnected from grassroots concerns”, he said, “Those who truly represent the people have moved away.”

Attacks Modi

Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr Gandhi accused him of selectively raising religious issues across the country while remaining silent on controversies in Kerala, including allegations linked to the Sabarimala gold. He questioned why the Chief Minister, who “considers himself a defender of Hindu interests”, did not address such issues in the state.

Alleging political nepotism in the conduct of investigations, the Congress leader alleged that despite facing scrutiny from Central agencies, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was not subjected to similar action.

“If there is no understanding, why is there no comparable pressure?” he asked, claiming that the BJP preferred the ruling CPI(M) in Kerala because it was “easier to control than the Congress”.

He criticized the economy and foreign policy

On national issues, Mr. Gandhi criticized the Centre’s economic and foreign policies and claimed that recent agreements with the United States under Mr. Modi would adversely affect Indian agriculture, energy security and small businesses. He said increased imports and trade commitments would weaken domestic sectors, especially affecting farmers growing crops such as rubber corn, soybeans and fruit.

He also touched on global geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in West Asia, warning that policy decisions taken now will have long-term consequences on India’s economy and energy access.

Turning his attention to Kerala, Mr Gandhi outlined a series of welfare measures promised by the UDF, describing them as “guarantees” aimed at addressing unemployment and social security concerns.

Key promises include free bus travel for women, monthly stipend of ₹1,000 for female college students and interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh for young entrepreneurs. He also announced a proposal to increase social welfare pension for senior citizens to ₹3,000 and set up a special ministry for their welfare.

In the health sector, UDF has promised a comprehensive scheme offering coverage of up to ₹ 25 lakh per family, aimed at strengthening public health infrastructure and reducing financial burden during medical emergencies.

Framing the election as an “election of values”, Mr Gandhi said Kerala’s tradition of social harmony, inclusivity and non-violence was under threat. “This is a struggle between divisions and unity, anger and compassion,” he said, adding that the UDF represents “love, brotherhood and economic opportunity.”

He said the Congress was “best positioned” to address unemployment and revive economic growth in the state and urged voters to support the UDF in the coming polls.