Launching the party campaign in Kerala with an expansive and combative address, Congress General Secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday invoked the state’s legacy of social reform while mounting a sharp critique of both the BJP-led Union government and the ruling LDF.
Speaking at Chirayinkeezhu in Thiruvananthapuram district, Priyana Gandhi struck a personal note, reflecting on her first year as a representative from Kerala. She said her experience had revealed the "magic" of the state rooted in its culture of equality, compassion and communal harmony.
Citing reformer Sree Narayana Guru as an enduring inspiration, she argued that Kerala’s social ethos represents "the true spirit of India", where diverse communities have coexisted in mutual respect for centuries. Drawing from personal anecdotes, she highlighted the contribution of Malayalis across sectors, from nurses and ASHA workers to farmers and caregivers, underscoring what she described as a shared ethic of dedication and service.
Her references to Wayanad, where she serves as MP, were aimed at reinforcing her connection with grassroots concerns, particularly those of farmers and rural workers. However, the speech quickly pivoted to a critique of governance. Priyanka Gandhi pointed to rising unemployment, low wages and what she described as a weakening public health system in Kerala, citing staff shortages and lack of equipment.
She accused the state government of failing to adequately address the concerns of ASHA workers, fisherfolk and traditional industries such as coir, alleging that support mechanisms remain insufficient despite prolonged distress. On the national front, she launched a strong attack on the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, blaming the Centre for rising fuel and LPG prices and claiming that India’s economic decisions are increasingly influenced by external pressures.
She also warned that recent trade decisions could adversely affect MSMEs and farmers, amplifying economic vulnerability. In a politically charged remark, she described the LDF government as being ineffective in countering the Centre, alleging a lack of accountability and resistance.
The Congress leader framed the electoral contest as a choice between continuity and change, urging voters to “hold those in power accountable” both at the state and national levels. Priyanka Gandhi’s pitch combined criticism with promises, as she outlined the Congress-led UDF’s welfare agenda, including guarantees such as free bus travel for women modelled on initiatives implemented in Karnataka.
She called for targeted support to coastal communities, revival of struggling sectors like coir, and expanded employment opportunities to curb migration. Emphasising Kerala’s human capital as its greatest strength, she urged voters to "awaken for development" and choose a government that is "compassionate and responsive".
As the campaign gathers momentum, her speech signals a strategy that blends emotional appeal, welfare assurances and pointed political attacks, setting the tone for a high-stakes electoral battle in the state. Before she returns to Delhi, later in the day, Priyanka Gandhi will address election rallies at Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts. Kerala goes to the polls on April 9th to elect 140 new legislators, and she is expected to be back again to campaign in other districts.