Modi and Rahul Gandhi Set to Rally in Kerala: A Showdown Over Tharoor’s Seat

Kerala is set to be a major political battleground on Monday, April 15, as both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi descend on the state for a series of high-stakes election rallies. This electoral face-off comes in anticipation of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, with both leaders campaigning vigorously for their respective alliances. The spotlight is particularly intense on the Thiruvananthapuram constituency, currently held by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, where the BJP has deployed a significant campaign effort.

Here are 10 crucial points about the upcoming political showdown in Kerala:

1. PM Narendra Modi’s Schedule: Modi will start his day with a public meeting in Kunnamangalam, part of the Alathur constituency in Thrissur District, followed by campaigns in Thrissur and Kattakkada.
2. Rahul Gandhi’s Itinerary: Gandhi is on a two-day visit to Kerala, including a rally in Kozhikode and multiple engagements in his Lok Sabha constituency, Wayanad.
3. Key Constituencies and Candidates: Modi will campaign for NDA candidates TN Sarasu and Suresh Gopi in Alathur and Thrissur, as well as for V Muraleedharan and Rajeev Chandrasekhar in Attingal and Thiruvananthapuram, the latter against Shashi Tharoor.
4. Election Context: Kerala will go to polls on April 26, with all 20 constituencies at stake. This marks Modi’s sixth visit to Kerala, emphasizing the state’s electoral significance.
5. Historical Performance: In the 2019 elections, the BJP made notable gains in Kerala, particularly in Thrissur where Suresh Gopi garnered a 28.2% vote share, a significant increase from 2014.
6. Rahul Gandhi’s Campaign Efforts: Gandhi will focus on bolstering support for the UDF in Kerala, starting with his rally in Kozhikode and continuing with engagements across multiple districts including Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram.
7. UDF’s Strategy: The Congress-led UDF is intensifying its campaign efforts in Kerala, with Gandhi playing a central role in rallying support and boosting the morale of party candidates.
8. NDA’s Focus: The BJP, under Modi’s leadership, is keen on making inroads into Kerala, a traditionally left-leaning state with a strong presence of the Congress-led UDF.
9. Voter Dynamics: Both leaders are addressing key issues and voter concerns specific to Kerala, with national implications reflecting in their speeches and campaign promises.
10. Electoral Stakes: With high-profile candidates and the critical nature of Kerala’s votes, the outcomes here could significantly impact the overall results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

As Kerala prepares for these pivotal rallies, the political temperature in the state continues to rise, setting the stage for what could be a defining moment in both national and state politics.