Rahul Gandhi fires on all fronts: Targets Modi, Vijayan ahead of Kerala and Puducherry polls

With assembly elections scheduled for April 9 in Kerala and Puducherry , Congress leader Rahul Gandhi mounted an aggressive campaign , addressing rallies across the poll-bound regions, firing salvos at political rivals while outlining his party's vision just days before voters head to the booths.

In Thrissur's Mala , Gandhi targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan , calling them " arrogant " and accusing them of a mindset of ruling over people rather than serving them . He criticized the LDF's "Who Else" campaign as a direct insult to the people of Kerala, demanding its removal. Gandhi drew parallels between Vijayan, Modi, and Amit Shah , alleging they all think they are " born to rule ."

Gandhi alleged a behind-the-scenes BJP-LDF understanding, citing Modi's silence on the Sabarimala gold loss involving CPI(M) leaders. He noted that Vijayan and his family have faced no ED or CBI scrutiny . He referenced US President Donald Trump , suggesting Vijayan’s subservience to the Modi-Shah dispensation due to corruption.

In Puducherry , Gandhi criticized the AINRC-BJP government, calling fake drug manufacturing not just corruption but murder , highlighting the 30 per cent commission culture and the collapse of industrial and textile sectors, with hundreds of factories shutting down.

Earlier, Gandhi attacked the Modi government on the LPG gas crisis , comparing it to COVID-19 mismanagement , saying responses were " devoid of policy, full of grand announcements ," burdening the poor and migrant labourers who earn Rs 500-800 a day and are forced to return to villages.

On promises, Gandhi assured free KSRTC travel for women , Rs 25 lakh health insurance in Kerala, and statehood and civic polls within six months in Puducherry, making a powerful closing argument as the April 9 verdict approaches.