Kerala election 2026: Rahul Gandhi alleges PM Modi wants LDF to win Assembly polls in Keralam

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants the ruling LDF to win the Assembly elections in Kerala.

Addressing an election rally in Kannur, Mr Gandhi reiterated his charge that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) was fighting against the combined forces of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the BJP.

Two former CPI(M) leaders – V. Kunhikrishnan and TK Govindan, who contested as Independents with the support of UDF, were also present on the stage.

“This election is a fight between two ideologies – the ideology of the CPI(M)-led Left Front and the UDF. This is the first time we are seeing a partnership between the BJP and the Left Front,” he said.

He said it was “quite surprising that a Left party would side with a far-right party because they have diametrically opposed ideologies.”

“So the question is: How is it possible for a Left party and a Right party to merge? It is like a puzzle,” Mr. Gandhi said.

“Some answers to the puzzle are sitting on the stage. There are two senior leaders from CPI(M) here today. Why are they sitting on our stage and not campaigning on behalf of CPI(M) and the Prime Minister?” he asked.

‘Corporate parties’

Mr Gandhi claimed that what is today called the Left Front was “no longer a Left or even a centrist formation”.

“Actually, they are partnering with the BJP because they are corporate parties. They are not people’s parties anymore. The proof is on the stage right now. Left-wing people are with the Congress and the party is supporting them,” he said.

Questioning the BJP’s stance in Kerala, Mr. Gandhi said that while the Prime Minister was talking about religion, temples and deity elsewhere, he did not raise the Sabarimala gold loss issue in the state.

He alleged that CPI(M) leaders were involved in the loss of gold at Sabarimala and accused the BJP of remaining silent on the issue.

“The so-called defender of Hinduism does not talk about Sabarimala when he comes to Kerala. He wants the Left front to win the elections in the state,” Mr. Gandhi said.

He also said that the fact that Left leaders are contesting the elections as Independents with the support of the UDF shows that the CPI(M) is no longer a true Left party.