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

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

Addressing a UDF election rally in Kattappana, Idukki, Mr Gandhi questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “silence” on local controversies. “When the Prime Minister addresses campaigns elsewhere, he frequently refers to religion and temples. 

However, during his campaign in Kerala, he never mentioned the Sabarimala gold theft case,” Mr Gandhi said.

He further alleged that the LDF has “lost its identity” and is operating like a corporate entity similar to the BJP. “There is a hidden reality in this election: the LDF is fully supported by the RSS, the BJP, and the Prime Minister. The Left parties are now working with extreme right-wing parties in Kerala, contesting with mutual support,” he alleged.

Mr Gandhi highlighted the lack of a federal investigation into the alleged theft of gold from the Sabarimala temple. “The gold from the Sabarimala temple was stolen, yet there is no CBI or ED probe. The reality is that there is no such investigation because the BJP and the CPI(M) are partners,” he alleged.

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

“If the Left party were working properly, tea, cardamom, and rubber farmers would not be suffering. The BJP-controlled Rubber Board will not allow the price to rise,” he said. He also addressed local grievances regarding the lack of proper title deeds, which prevent farmers from engaging in construction or farming on their own land.

In a sharp personal critique, Mr Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Modi has “compromised” India’s sovereignty. He claimed that Mr Modi treats U.S. President Donald Trump with “undue deference”. 

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

He further alleged that this same “command structure” exists locally, claiming the Prime Minister exerts control over Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Mr Gandhi also promised that a UDF government would find “a permanent solution” to the man-animal conflict plaguing Idukki district. He reaffirmed the UDF’s “Five Poll Guarantees,” vowing they would be fulfilled immediately upon taking power.

The rally saw a massive turnout in support of UDF candidates across five constituencies. The campaign was held for Apu John Joseph (Thodupuzha), Roy K. Paulose (Idukki), F. Raja (Devikulam), Senapathi Venu (Udumbanchola), and Cyriac Thomas (Peerumade).

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