Congress chief Okay.C. Venugopal on Sunday (March 22, 2026) alleged {that a} CPI(M)-BJP nexus is obvious within the ongoing election, asserting that such an understanding wouldn’t achieve Kerala this time.
Addressing a press convention, the AICC chief reiterated the occasion’s promise of free Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus journey for ladies if the UDF involves energy within the State.
“CPI(M) and LDF know very well that people’s sentiments are against them and are applying their last trick. CPI(M)-BJP friendship is not new in Kerala,” he stated.
He claimed that indicators of this relationship had been seen in points reminiscent of PM-SHRI and the Left occasion’s stance in the direction of the central authorities.
“When a bridge is laid, there should be benefits to both sides. We have seen the postponement in the Lavlin case against the Chief Minister. We have also seen the pace of investigations by central agencies in Kerala,” he stated.
Mr. Venugopal alleged that the identical connection was mirrored within the candidate lists of the CPI(M) and the BJP, claiming that each events had entered right into a deal to assist one another within the election.
“But I am sure that even their party workers will reject this deal. They have tried it before, but it was exposed. The same fate will repeat,” he stated.
He added that aside from exposing the present authorities, the UDF was additionally presenting its plans for governance.
He stated an in depth manifesto outlining particular initiatives and plans for Kerala can be launched quickly.
Mr. Venugopal stated CPI(M) had belittled the Congress’s earlier assure of free bus journey for ladies in KSRTC.
“Women working in sectors like coir, cashew, fishing, handloom, and those under the rural employment guarantee scheme are struggling to make ends meet. Our guarantee will be a game changer to ease their lives,” he stated.
He dismissed criticism that the scheme would financially burden KSRTC, noting that related initiatives had been applied in Karnataka and Telangana.
“The money spent on PR exercises can be utilised for such welfare activities. KSRTC will be given financial support,” he stated, including that the UDF has a transparent plan to handle points within the transport company.
He additionally alleged that the LDF had promised a welfare pension of ₹2,500 within the final election, however elevated it solely to ₹2,000 forward of the 2025 native physique polls.
He stated the Congress’s assure of elevating the welfare pension to ₹3,000 can be applied.
Mr. Venugopal additional spoke a couple of proposed healthcare insurance coverage scheme, much like the one in Rajasthan.
He expressed confidence that the UDF would safe 100 seats within the election. — PTI
