PATHANAMTHITTA – Kickstarting a high-decibel two-day election tour, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed a series of rallies across central Kerala on Monday, March 30, 2026. Targeting both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the BJP, Gandhi alleged a “hidden understanding” between the two parties to undermine the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
The campaign comes as Kerala prepares for critical Assembly elections, with the UDF aiming to unseat the incumbent Left government.
Key Campaign Allegations
During his primary address in Pathanamthitta, Gandhi raised questions regarding the central government’s treatment of opposition leaders:
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Selective Prosecution: Gandhi claimed that while he and other national leaders face constant legal targeting by the BJP, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has remained relatively untouched by central agencies.
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The “Hidden Link”: He asserted that the LDF is subtly supported by the BJP to split the opposition vote, framing the UDF as the “only force” genuinely challenging the BJP’s national ideology.
Ground Outreach & Welfare Promises
On Day 1, the campaign covered roughly 30 assembly constituencies across central and southern Kerala:
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Constituencies Visited: Rallies and roadshows were held in Adoor, Pathanamthitta, Puthupally, Kanjikuzhi, and Athirampuzha.
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Flagship Promises: The UDF is heavily promoting its “guarantee” schemes, including free bus travel for women and a monthly pension of ₹3,000 for senior citizens.
Religious Identity and FCRA Concerns
Senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal joined the campaign, accusing the BJP of using the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) to target Christian institutions in the state. He compared this to the Waqf amendment issue, alleging a systematic attempt to target minority properties while the LDF remains “silent” on the matter.
Day 2: Shift to North Kerala
On Tuesday, March 31, Gandhi will transition to the northern districts:
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Route: Public meetings are scheduled for Kannur, followed by interactions in Kallachi and Perambra.
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Guarantee Bus Yatra: He will participate in a specialized bus yatra from Balussery to Nanmanda to interact directly with voters and scheme beneficiaries.
UDF leadership has expressed confidence in a “landslide victory,” aiming to cross the 100-seat mark in the 140-member Assembly.
