Idukki (Kerala), April 5 (NationPress) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge stated on Sunday that significant changes are underway in Kerala, predicting a decisive victory for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in the upcoming elections on April 9. “Change is on the horizon. Be prepared, and with your support, Congress will surely prevail… 100 percent this time,” he asserted, noting that recent local body election wins in Idukki indicate a shift in public sentiment towards the UDF.

During a campaign address, Kharge forecasted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would fail to secure any Assembly seats, emphasizing that the educated populace of Kerala is fully aware of the BJP’s communal and divisive tactics.

He accused the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) of having an unspoken alliance with the BJP, suggesting they represent two facets of the same issue.

Kharge criticized Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for mirroring Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approach.

He highlighted that Kerala, known for its progressive values and commitment to social justice and education, has regressed under the LDF's decade-long governance.

“The state’s debt has escalated to Rs 6 lakh crore, and unemployment has surged to 30 percent, the highest nationwide. Young people are compelled to migrate in search of employment,” he lamented.

Kharge pointed to corruption scandals plaguing the LDF government, including gold smuggling and infrastructure scams, which have caused public disillusionment among farmers, fishermen, and small traders. “Welfare programs are either delayed or ineffectively executed,” he remarked, warning that “soaring debt, lack of vision, and diminishing opportunities have pushed the state into a state of uncertainty and despair.”

Discussing proposed changes to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, Kharge claimed that PM Modi's motives are not about reform, but rather about targeting Christian organizations that have contributed significantly to education, healthcare, and charity for years.

He added that this initiative also impacts civil society, NGOs, and those dedicated to aiding the underprivileged.

Labeling it as selective persecution, he stated that any attempt to undermine minority institutions is a violation of constitutional principles.

Kharge pledged that the Congress party would stand firmly against such injustices.

Addressing the plight of tea and cardamom laborers, he noted their struggles as numerous tea plantations are closing down. “What has happened to the financial aid the LDF government promised to tea growers?” he questioned.

He further remarked that due to newly implemented exploitative labor laws, workers are deprived of essential provisions from plantation owners.

Highlighting the issue of land titles, he stated that many families have lived on their land for generations without proper documentation. The Congress, he assured, would streamline laws to ensure every eligible family receives their 'pattayam'.

Kharge also unveiled five “Indira Guarantees” aimed at providing a clear, people-focused alternative to the electorate. He committed to increasing welfare pensions to Rs 3,000 monthly, introducing a Rs 25 lakh health insurance scheme for each family in honor of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, and ensuring free bus travel for women across the state. Additionally, he promised Rs 1,000 monthly cash assistance for college and university-going girls and the establishment of a dedicated ministry for senior citizens' welfare.

The Kerala Assembly elections will occur on April 9, with results announced on May 4.