Shivraj Singh Chouhan addresses massive rally in Palakkad, rallies support for BJP candidate in Keralam

UDF and LDF are two sides of the same coin, “Chor-Chor Mausere Bhai”

Keralam/New Delhi | Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed a massive public rally on Monday in support of Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Shobha Surendran from the Palakkad Assembly constituency in Keralam. Addressing the rally, Shri Chouhan praised Keralam as a land of natural beauty and cultural richness. “Keralam is an extraordinary state. The very mention of its name brings to mind lush greenery. This is the land where the peaks of the Western Ghats touch the sky and the Arabian Sea washes its shores. I feel blessed to be here,” he said. He further stated that while the name 'Kerala' was given during British rule, it could have been changed earlier. However, successive governments led by the UDF and LDF did not act. “Respecting the sentiments of the people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken the decision that the state will now be known as ‘Keralam’,” he added.

Keralam Turned into a Model of Corruption'

Launching a strong attack on the ruling alliances, Shri Chouhan alleged that in the last 70 years, Keralam could have emerged as a model of development, but instead, the LDF and UDF have turned it into a 'model of corruption.' He referred to multiple scams, including the solar scam, and alleged that corruption has become systemic. “In Keralam, LDF and UDF fight each other in the state, but stand together in Delhi. Both are partners in corruption, crime, and obstruction of development,” he said, accusing them of misleading and exploiting the people.

'Chief Minister Smiles, People Suffer'

Targeting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Shri Chouhan said that while government advertisements project a positive image, the ground reality is starkly different. “The Chief Minister may be smiling in hoardings, but the people are suffering,” he remarked. He alleged that development claims exist only on paper, while farmers and common citizens continue to face hardships. He further raised concerns about law and order, increasing drug and alcohol issues, and rising state debt, which he claimed has reached nearly ₹6 lakh crore, placing a heavy burden on citizens. He alleged that development exists only on paper, while farmers and common citizens are struggling. He also raised serious concerns over law and order, claiming that crimes are often covered up without action. Referring to religious institutions, he alleged mismanagement and said even sacred places have not been spared. Shri Chouhan further stated that drug abuse and alcohol consumption are rising, turning Keralam into a hub of substance abuse. “There are more liquor outlets than milk shops. The youth are being pushed towards destruction,” he said. He also highlighted that the state’s debt has reached nearly ₹6 lakh crore, placing a heavy burden on every citizen. “The policy seems to be borrow and spend, without delivering development,” he added.

LDF and UDF Both Fail the People

Shri Chouhan sharply criticised both political fronts, describing them as indistinguishable. He said LDF stands for “Liar, Dictator, and Fraud,” accusing it of misleading the people, suppressing dissent, and betraying public trust. He said UDF is equally ineffective, describing it as “Unfit, Dishonest, and Failed.” “They are like two sides of the same coin—publicly opposing each other, but effectively working in tandem,” he remarked. He also alleged that LDF is responsible for political violence in the state, claiming that more than 300 workers have lost their lives. He urged the people of Keralam to reject both LDF and UDF and support the NDA for development-oriented governance.

Farmers Being Shortchanged in Kerala

Shri Chouhan stated that both the LDF and UDF have failed to safeguard the interests of farmers in Keralam. He pointed out that while MSP is declared by PM Narendra Modi and farmers across the country receive payments directly in their bank accounts, the situation in Keralam is markedly different. “In Keralam, farmers are forced to take loans from banks just to receive payment for their own produce. The paddy is ours, the land is ours, the hard work is ours, yet farmers must first take a loan. Only later does the government release payment, allowing them to repay the loan. If there is any delay, the burden of interest also falls on the farmer,” he said. Shri Chouhan criticized Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, stating that such a system is nothing short of a 'mockery' of farmers. He assured that if an NDA government is formed, procurement of all crops will be ensured at MSP and payments will be directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts. “Farmers will not need loans; they will receive the rightful value of their hard work,” he emphasized. He further added that several farmers in Kerala have been deprived of benefits under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi due to the state government’s failure to complete required formalities. “Once our government is formed, every eligible farmer will be included, and the benefit will reach each one’s account,” he said.

₹500 Crore Allocated, Yet No Houses Built for the Poor

Shri Chouhan alleged that the Central Government allocated ₹500 crore in 2025–26 for the construction of houses for the poor, but the state government failed to utilize even a single rupee. “I ask the Chief Minister, what would have been lost if the kutcha houses of the poor had been converted into pucca homes?” he questioned. He accused the state government of not implementing central schemes due to political reasons. “Funds are sent by Prime Minister Modi, but work is stalled simply because credit might go to him,” he remarked. He stated that eligible beneficiaries in Kerala have not received the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and demanded accountability for the failure to build houses for the poor. He assured that if his government comes to power, every poor family will be provided with a permanent house. Referring to the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Shri Chouhan said that the state government did not even submit proposals for the fourth phase. “We want to build roads in every village, but Kerala has not taken the initiative. While roads have been approved in many states, villages in Kerala continue to remain deprived,” he added. On women’s empowerment, he highlighted that under the “Lakhpati Didi” initiative, over 3 crore women across the country have already become self-reliant, with a target of 6 crore. He assured that women in Keralam will also be empowered under this initiative. He also mentioned that under the ‘VB - GRAMG’ scheme, villages will now decide their own development priorities, with direct funding support from the Centre.

Modern Agriculture Park and Integrated Farming Push

Highlighting Keralam’s agricultural potential, Shri Chouhan said the state holds immense opportunities not only in paddy but also in turmeric, horticulture, and other crops. To harness this potential, a state-of-the-art Agriculture Park will be developed in Keralam with an investment of several crore rupees. He emphasized the promotion of an integrated farming model that combines floriculture, horticulture, vegetables, medicinal crops, along with animal husbandry, goat rearing, and fisheries. “This holistic model will enhance farmers’ incomes and transform the direction of agriculture,” he said. He also announced that closed rice mills in the state will be revived. “Processing is essential to ensure that farmers receive the full value of their produce,” he noted. Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Shri Chouhan said that no effort will be spared in advancing agriculture and safeguarding farmers’ interests in Keralam.