Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified his election campaign in Kerala on Saturday, April 4, 2026, delivering a strong message at a United Democratic Front (UDF) rally in Kattappana, Idukki. Mr. Gandhi directly accused the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF government of maintaining a "hidden partnership" with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This serious allegation aims to challenge the LDF's political integrity and influence voters ahead of the upcoming polls.

What Happened?

Addressing a massive turnout in Idukki, Mr. Gandhi launched a sharp critique, questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi's perceived silence on significant local controversies during his Kerala visits. He specifically highlighted the lack of any mention of the alleged Sabarimala gold theft case by the Prime Minister. According to Mr. Gandhi, while Prime Minister Modi often discusses religion and temples in other campaign speeches, his omission of such a critical local issue in Kerala suggests an underlying understanding between the LDF and BJP.

Mr. Gandhi further alleged that the LDF has 'lost its identity,' operating more like a corporate entity than a traditional political party, drawing a parallel to the BJP's functioning. He claimed that this election reveals a 'hidden reality' where the LDF benefits from the full support of the RSS, the BJP, and even the Prime Minister himself. The Congress leader stated that Left parties in Kerala are now collaborating with extreme right-wing parties, essentially contesting with mutual support. To bolster his claim, he pointed to the absence of a federal investigation by agencies like the CBI or ED into the Sabarimala gold theft. "The gold from the Sabarimala temple was stolen, yet there is no CBI or ED probe. The reality is that there is no such investigation because the BJP and the CPI(M) are partners," he asserted.

Shifting his focus to the agrarian community in Idukki, a region known for its tea, cardamom, and rubber plantations, Mr. Gandhi criticized the State government's failure to protect farmers. He reminded the audience of the LDF's unfulfilled promise of a fixed price of ₹250 per kg for rubber. He argued that if the Left party were truly functioning effectively, farmers would not be facing such hardship. Mr. Gandhi also linked the plight of rubber farmers to national policies, suggesting the BJP-controlled Rubber Board would not allow prices to rise. Additionally, he addressed local grievances concerning the lack of proper title deeds, which restrict farmers from developing or cultivating their own land.

Key Highlights

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi campaigned extensively in Kattappana, Idukki, Kerala, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
He accused the CPI(M)-led LDF government of having a "hidden partnership" with the BJP and RSS.
Mr. Gandhi questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the Sabarimala gold theft case during his Kerala campaign.
He alleged the LDF has lost its identity and operates like a corporate entity, similar to the BJP.
The Congress leader criticized the LDF for failing to protect farmers in Idukki, highlighting unfulfilled promises regarding rubber prices and title deeds.
Mr. Gandhi claimed Prime Minister Modi has "compromised" India’s sovereignty through undue deference to U.S. President Donald Trump.
He promised that a UDF government would provide a permanent solution to the man-animal conflict and fulfill its "Five Poll Guarantees."

Why Does This Matter?

Rahul Gandhi's strong allegations of a "hidden partnership" between the LDF and BJP-RSS carry significant weight in Kerala's political landscape. These claims aim to disrupt traditional voter loyalties, particularly among those who oppose the BJP's right-wing ideology, by suggesting that the Left Front is secretly aligned with them. Such accusations can sow distrust in the ruling party and influence swing voters, potentially altering the dynamics of the upcoming elections. Furthermore, by questioning the Prime Minister's silence on local issues like the Sabarimala gold theft, Mr. Gandhi seeks to portray a lack of accountability and highlight what he perceives as a deliberate political strategy designed to protect alleged partners.

The focus on farmer issues in Idukki also resonates deeply with a crucial segment of the electorate. The unfulfilled promises regarding rubber prices and the persistent problem of title deeds directly impact the livelihoods of thousands of families. These economic grievances, coupled with the escalating man-animal conflict, provide tangible reasons for voters to consider a change in government. Mr. Gandhi's promises to address these specific concerns, along with the UDF's "Five Poll Guarantees," are designed to offer a clear alternative to the current administration. The allegations about India's sovereignty, though broader, add another layer to the political discourse, aiming to paint the national leadership in a critical light and connect it to local governance.