Thiruvananthapuram: In a gesture that electrified the massive crowd gathered at Putharikandam Maidan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi prostrated before the party workers, expressing deep gratitude for the Bharatiya Janata Party’s historic victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation election.
Describing the win as a “watershed moment” in Kerala politics, the Prime Minister drew a parallel with his home state. “The BJP’s journey in Gujarat began with a victory in a municipal corporation. In the same way, the winds of change are now blowing here. Kerala is now ready to be in BJP’s hands,” Modi declared, addressing a gathering of over 25,000 supporters.
Key Highlights of the Visit:
1. “Vikasitha Thiruvananthapuram” Blueprint: Fulfilling a key election promise, PM Modi personally handed over the ‘Vikasitha Thiruvananthapuram’ (Developed Trivandrum) Blueprint to the newly elected Mayor. This master plan outlines the strategic roadmap for the capital city’s transformation under the new municipal governance.
2. Major Development Push: The Prime Minister launched development projects worth crores, emphasizing that his government delivers on promises within days of victory.
- New Trains Flagged Off: He flagged off three new Amrit Bharat Express trains:
- Thiruvananthapuram – Tambaram
- Nagercoil – Mangaluru
- Thiruvananthapuram – Charlapalli (Hyderabad)
- Rail Connectivity: Inaugurated the Thrissur – Guruvayur passenger service.
- Infrastructure & Health: Laid the foundation stone for an Innovation & Entrepreneurship Hub at CSIR-NIIST and inaugurated a new Radio Surgery Centre at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute. A modern Head Post Office at Poojappura was also dedicated to the nation.
3. Welfare for the Common Man: Under the PM SVANidhi scheme, the PM distributed loans and credit cards to street vendors, noting that over 1 lakh vendors in the state have benefited. He also highlighted that 25 lakh houses have been provided to the urban poor in Kerala under the PM Awas Yojana.
4. Grand Reception: Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister was welcomed with a massive roadshow from the airport to the venue, with thousands lining the streets.
“You placed your trust in us, and I will repay that trust with development,” Modi assured the people of Thiruvananthapuram, signaling a rigorous start to the party’s campaign for future assembly polls.
