Senior BJP leader and Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu lashed out at successive governments of UDF and LDF that ruled Kerala, accusing the two fronts of having ruined the state over the years.
Slamming the ruling Congress-led UDF and opposition CPI(M)-led LDF for 'ruining' the state, BJP today launched its much hyped political yatra ahead of the coming Assembly elections in Kerala from northern-most district Kasargod.
Senior BJP leader and Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu flagged off the 'Vimochana Yatra' led by party's state president Kummanam Rajasekharan at Uppalla.
The yatra would cover 140 constituencies across the state and conclude in state capital on February 10.
After its better show in the recent civic elections, BJP is looking to open its account in the Assembly elections in the state, which has been ruled by UDF and LDF alternatingly.
Mr Rajasekharan has recently been appointed state president, to steer the party in the election-bound state.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Naidu lashed out at successive governments of UDF and LDF that ruled the state, accusing the two fronts of having ruined the state over the years.
He said leaders of both UDF and LDF were involved in corruption and pursue appeasement policy.
Mr Naidu said BJP's vision was all-round development and justice for all, devoid of special affinity towards any particular section.
The party-led central government's aim was to have housing for all by 2022, he added.
Mr Naidu also took a dig at Congress and CPI(M), who are rivals in the state, but has no qualms in joining hands in West Bengal and New Delhi.
Terming as "unfortunate" the suicide of Rohith Vemula, a research scholar at the Central University of Hyderabad, Mr Naidu charged Congress with indulging in "misleading propaganda" over the incident.
The authorities will take action on the basis of the investigation report, he said.
Hitting back at Congress, he said the party that failed to respond when eight students of the university committed suicide during the tenure of the UPA was "celebrating" the issue now under the pretext of "compassion for Dalit community".
On the Centre's approach to Kerala, he said it fully supported the Rs 5,187 crore Kochi Metro Rail project and had extended Rs 600 crore till date, he said.
Noted film actor Suresh Gopi read out a pledge at the function presided over by senior party leader O Rajagopal.
The political yatras of Congress led by KPCC President VM Sudheeran and CPI(M) led by politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan are presently winding up across the state.