'From Thiruvananthapuram begins Kerala’s change,' says PM Modi

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday declared that the BJP’s historic victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation marked the beginning of a political transformation in Kerala, asserting that the state was ready to break free from decades of alternating rule by the Left and the Congress-led United Democratic Front. 

Addressing a mammoth gathering of BJP workers at Putharikandam Maidan, the PM said he was "happy to be in the land of Sree Padmanabhan" and described the civic victory as the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream of BJP supporters in the capital. 

"Whenever I come to Kerala, you give me the best. But this time, I see a new urge and hope. I am sure change has begun in Kerala," he said. 

Recalling the BJP’s early struggles, PM Modi said that before 1987, the party barely found mention in newspapers, before its first municipal victory in Ahmedabad paved the way for governance in Gujarat. 

"From winning the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the BJP will reach Kerala too," he asserted, calling the victory historic and the foundation for people-centric governance. 

The result marked the beginning of the disintegration of both the Left and the UDF, he said. 

Launching a blistering attack on the rival fronts, Modi accused them of corruption, lack of accountability and communal politics, alleging that decades of their rule had "ruined" Kerala. 

He noted that Kerala has 10,000 beneficiaries, with over 600 in Thiruvananthapuram alone. 

He said fisherfolk's empowerment remained a priority, citing a separate ministry, credit facilities and Rs5 lakh insurance cover. 

Huge crowds turned out for Modi's public meeting in Thiruvananthapuram. Photo: X

PM Modi accused both the Left and Congress of stalling infrastructure development through corruption, pointing to the Vizhinjam Port as an example of transformative growth, with 150 mother ships and three lakh containers already handled. 

Referring to Sabarimala, PM Modi said a BJP government would ensure those behind the gold theft were jailed, calling it "Modi’s guarantee". 

Calling for a BJP government to build a "Viksit Keralam", PM Modi said the next 25 years would define the state’s future.PM Modi flags off three new Amrit Bharat Express trains 

In a major step towards modernising rail travel for citizens and improving inter-state and regional connectivity, the PM flagged off the Amrit Bharat Expresses on the Nagercoil-Mangaluru, the Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram, and the Thiruvananthapuram-Charlapalli routes. 

He also flagged off a new passenger train service between Thrissur and Guruvayur. 

The Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express and the Nagercoil-Mangaluru Amrit Bharat Express (both from the Thiruvananthapuram Central station), the Thiruvananthapuram-Charlappalli Amrit Bharat Express (from the Thiruvananthapuram North station) and the Thrissur-Guruvayur Passenger Train (from Thrissur station) departed for their destinations from their stations soon after the ceremony. 

All four trains will be operated and maintained by the Southern Railway. 

The Thiruvananthapuram Central-Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express will connect Kerala's capital with key industrial, educational and medical hubs in Tamil Nadu, passing through major stations such as Tirunelveli, Madurai and Tiruchchirappalli, while the Thiruvananthapuram-Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express will provide a vital rail link across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, serving several important cities en route. 

Meanwhile, the Nagercoil-Mangaluru Junction Amrit Bharat Express will connect Tamil Nadu with coastal Karnataka through Kerala, benefiting passengers travelling along the western coastal belt. The Guruvayur-Thrissur passenger train will offer direct and affordable connectivity between the major pilgrimage centre and Thrissur, catering to daily commuters, students and devotees. 

Talking to IANS, a passenger said: "Amrit Bharat Express is a non-AC train providing both general and sleeper services for short and long distances. Currently, there are three Amrit Bharat Trains, which have wonderful general and sleeper coaches that are more spacious. having a nice interior and comfortable berths." 

"More trains, better connectivity," he added. 

Another passenger said the train has some exciting features -- in every coach, there is a CCTV camera installed for safety and security purposes, each seat has a bottle holder, a phone charger socket and a holder and the same facilities are provided even in the general coaches. 

In sleeper coaches, there is an extra feature of announcement of the train's number, its route, and the next stop. 

The Amrit Bharat Express trains are designed to bridge the gap between conventional mail and express services and premium trains by offering improved amenities. 

Indo-Asian News Service