Lagatar24 Desk
Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kerala and addressed a public rally in Thiruvananthapuram, where he launched new railway services, unveiled development initiatives, and asserted that the foundation of a BJP-led government has been laid in the state.
Criticism of LDF and UDF Governments
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi strongly criticized the ruling Left Democratic Front and the Congress-led United Democratic Front, alleging that successive governments had neglected Thiruvananthapuram for years. He said the city continued to suffer from inadequate basic facilities and infrastructure, but claimed that the BJP had now begun working towards building a developed and modern Thiruvananthapuram.
Political Context and BJP’s Expanding Presence
The Prime Minister referred to the BJP’s significant performance in recent elections, noting the party’s historic victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation elections held on December 9, 2025. He also highlighted the 2024 Lok Sabha election win of actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi from Thrissur, calling these developments milestones in Left-ruled Kerala. Modi’s visit gains added significance ahead of assembly elections due this year in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry.
Launch of Trains and Development Projects
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi flagged off three new Amrit Bharat trains on the Nagercoil–Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram–Tambaram, and Thiruvananthapuram–Charlapalli routes. He also inaugurated a new passenger train service between Thrissur and Guruvayur. In addition, several development projects were launched, including the PM SVANidhi credit card scheme aimed at supporting street vendors.
Focus on Connectivity, Innovation, and Healthcare
Modi stated that the NDA government at the Centre is making substantial investments in connectivity, science, innovation, and healthcare. He mentioned the establishment of a CSIR Innovation Hub in Kerala and the launch of a radiosurgery centre at a medical college, underlining the government’s commitment to advanced healthcare infrastructure.
Vision for Thiruvananthapuram’s Future
Reassuring the people of Thiruvananthapuram, the Prime Minister said the city would be developed as a model urban centre and promised full support to place it among India’s best cities. He expressed confidence that ongoing and future projects would transform the city’s growth trajectory.
