Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a visit to Kerala, has slammed the CPI(M)-led LDF government in that State and Congress-led UDF Opposition over the Sabarimala women entry issue and said both fronts were two sides of the same coin. Tearing into the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government, Modi said its conduct on the Sabarimala issue will go down as one of the most shameful behaviours by any party and government. “Kerala has today become hostage to the corruption and communalism” of the LDF and UDF, he said while addressing a huge gathering of BJP workers. Modi said for the last few months, the entire nation has been talking about Sabarimala.
“We know that the Communists do not respect Indian history, culture and spirituality but nobody imagined they would have such hatred,” he said. Slamming the ‘multiple stand’ taken by the Congress and the party-led Opposition front UDF in the State, he urged them to make clear their stand on the issue. “The UDF is no better. The Congress has multiple stands. They say one thing in Parliament but a different thing in Pathanamthitta (where the Lord Ayyappa shrine is located). They say one thing on Monday and a different thing on another day,” he said.
“I challenge the UDF, clearly state your stand on the issue. Your doublespeak has been exposed,” Modi said, lashing out at his party’s national arch rival. The BJP’s stand on the issue has ‘always’ been clear, he said. “The actions of our party match our words. If there is one party that has been at the forefront of standing with Kerala and its culture, it is BJP,” Modi said. “On the one hand, the NDA government at the Centre is working day and night for the people of Kerala. But it pains me no end that the Kerala of spirituality and tranquility, the Kerala of harmony and happiness has become hostage to the corruption and communalism of two alliances — the LDF and UDF,” he said. Triple talaq was a ‘big injustice to women’ which has been banned by several Islamic nations, he said, and asked why India should have the practice. It seems the Prime Minister has posed some valid questions. Any answers?