Kerala elections: Rahul Gandhi sharpens attack on LDF and NDA, accuses both fronts of striking ‘covert deal’

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi intensified his campaign in Kerala on Saturday, April 4, 2026, accusing the CPI(M)-led LDF government of having a “secret partnership” with the BJP and RSS.

Addressing a UDF election rally in Kattappana, Idukki, Mr Gandhi questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “silence” on local controversies. “The Prime Minister often talks about religion and temples when talking about campaigns elsewhere.

But during his campaign in Kerala, he never mentioned the gold theft incident at Sabarimala,” Mr. Gandhi said.

He also alleged that the LDF had “lost its identity” and was operating like a corporate entity similar to the BJP. “There is a hidden truth in this election: LDF is fully supported by RSS, BJP and the Prime Minister. Left parties are currently working with far-right parties in Kerala and contesting with mutual support,” he alleged.

Mr. Gandhi emphasized that there was no federal investigation into the alleged theft of gold from the Sabarimala temple. “The gold from the Sabarimala temple has been stolen, but there is no CBI or ED investigation yet. The truth is that there is no such investigation because the BJP and CPI(M) are partners,” he said.

Turning his focus to Idukki, the heartland of agriculture, Mr. Gandhi criticized the State government’s failure to protect farmers. He stated that LDF had earlier promised a fixed price of ₹250 per kg for rubber but failed to deliver.

“If the Left party had worked properly, tea, cardamom and rubber farmers would not have suffered. The BJP-controlled Rubber Board will not allow the prices to rise,” he said. He also addressed local complaints about the lack of proper land registration, which prevents farmers from building or farming on their own land.

In a sharp personal criticism, Mr Gandhi claimed Prime Minister Modi had “compromised” India’s sovereignty. He claimed that Mr Modi treated US President Donald Trump with “extreme respect”.

“Mr Modi has forgotten that India is an independent country. There is no need to call Trump ‘Sir’ or follow his orders,” he said.

He also alleged that the same “command structure” existed locally, claiming that the Prime Minister had control over Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Mr Gandhi also promised that the UDF government would find a “permanent solution” to the human-animal conflict plaguing the Idukki district. He reaffirmed the UDF’s ‘Five Poll Guarantees’, promising that they would be fulfilled as soon as he came to power.

The rally saw huge turnout supporting UDF candidates from five constituencies. The campaign was organized for Apu John Joseph (Thodupuzha), Roy K. Paulose (Idukki), F. Raja (Devikulam), Senapathi Venu (Udumbanchola) and Cyriac Thomas (Peerumade).

AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose, Kottayam MP K. Francis George and KPCC General Secretary Ibrahimkutty Kallar and others attended the meeting.