Thiruvananthapuram: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday launched a sharp political offensive in Kerala, alleging that “not even God is safe in God’s Own Country”, as he accused both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) of corruption and appeasement politics.
Campaigning for NDA candidate Vatsala Prasanna Kumari in Paravur, Singh invoked a Biblical analogy, saying Judas betrayed Jesus for silver coins, and alleged that the LDF had “betrayed Lord Ayyappa for gold”.
He further claimed that those responsible for the alleged gold theft were being shielded, adding that a photograph had surfaced showing a senior Congress leader alongside the accused.
The Defence Minister asserted that the alleged Sabarimala gold theft would be probed by the CBI and demanded strict action against those accused of looting public wealth.
Taking aim at both fronts, Rajnath Singh alleged that despite their political rivalry, the LDF and UDF were “two sides of the same coin” when it comes to corruption.
“Their flags may be different, but their thinking is the same. They are friends in corruption,” he said, in a sharp jibe.
He also accused both alliances of maintaining links with extremist organisations, questioning who would protect Kerala from groups such as the SDPI and Jamaat-e-Islami.
“Only the BJP can safeguard the state,” he asserted.
Referring to the Malayalam film Ponman, Defence Minister Singh criticised what he described as an “obsession with gold” among certain leaders, alleging that those close to the Chief Minister were the real beneficiaries.
On the Munambam land issue, he accused both the LDF and UDF of indulging in appeasement politics and failing to stand with families facing eviction threats.
He further alleged that the Congress seeks support from such organisations during elections for political gains.
Urging voters to view the election as a battle against corruption and appeasement, Singh said the BJP represents a credible alternative.
In Paravur, the contest features UDF candidate and Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan and LDF’s E.T. Tyson Master, a CPI MLA, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral fight.
(IANS)
