PM says BJP third force in Kerala, likens it to Shiva’s ‘third eye’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged as the “third force” in Kerala that will replace the two fronts led by Congress and CPI(M) in the next year’s Assembly elections and transform the state’s fortunes.

Likening the third force to the ‘third eye’ of Lord Shiva in this temple town, where the famous Wadakunathar Temple for Shiva is located, he said it would destroy the “evils” of the two fronts, an apparent reference to the Congress-led UDF and CPI(M)-led Left Front.

“Unfortunately, Kerala’s politics is such that two coalitions have been ruling the state and looting its people. One coalition comes to power and loots. People get angry every five years and throw it out and another coalition comes. This cycle has been continuing so far. Both the coalitions are busy hiding each other’s sins and then continue with their loot. Now, the people of Kerala need not get angry any more. A third force has emerged in Kerala. It is like Lord Shiva’s third eye, which will destroy the sins and free the state from the evils and corruption. The emergence of the third force will change Kerala’s future and bring prosperity and peace in the state,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister, who is on his maiden visit to Kerala after assuming office, was addressing a public meeting organised by his party at the Thekkinkad ground. Modi said the gathering is an indication that Kerala has decided to bring a “change” by electing BJP to power in the next elections.

Referring to the dominance of the two rival fronts in Kerala for decades, Modi said in a state where social reformers like Sree Narayana Guru had fought and removed social untouchability, a climate of political untouchability is still prevalent in Kerala.

“This untouchability is carried to such lengths and those opposed to their political ideology are harassed and sometimes physically eliminated. Their (fronts’) thinking process is such,” he said.

Modi said that at least over 200 BJP workers have been killed in the last 50 years just because of ideological differences.

“If you see the political history of any state in India, Kerala is probably the only one where in the last 50 years BJP has suffered political vendetta and probably no other party has suffered that much like in Kerala,” he said.

The Prime Minister the BJP worker in Kerala stands tall and is a shining example of commitment and perseverance to the party workers throughout the country.