Thiruvalla (Kerala), April 5 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday showered praise on Anoop Antony Joseph, the BJP candidate for the Thiruvalla Assembly constituency, describing him as his "right-hand man" during a massive public rally here ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections.
An emotional Anoop Antony Joseph later told IANS, “I cannot fully articulate my emotions. The Prime Minister has showered his affection upon a humble individual like me. This cannot be expressed in words. I feel deeply honoured and extend my heartfelt gratitude to him. My entire life is dedicated to him.”
Anoop Antony Joseph, a prominent Christian face of the BJP in Kerala and former National Secretary of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), has worked closely with PM Modi over the past four to five years.
Recalling the moment, he said, “The manner in which PM Modi blessed me today stands as the most precious moment of my life.” He added that with the backing of PM Modi and the Central Government, Thiruvalla could witness unprecedented development if an NDA-backed MLA is elected.
“I am a leader who lives amidst the people and stands by them in every hardship,” he asserted.
Speaking on “Modi’s Guarantee”, Anoop highlighted that its biggest strength is reaching the marginalised sections first. He credited PM Modi with uplifting Dalits, Scheduled Tribes, the North-Eastern region, and empowering people from the Christian community like himself.
He described women’s empowerment as PM Modi’s most significant achievement, citing schemes for women’s welfare and the historic women’s reservation in Parliament.
Meanwhile, NDA candidate from Aranmula and former Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan told IANS that people in Kerala are increasingly realising that neither the LDF nor the UDF offers any real alternative.
“Thousands gathered here today just to see and hear PM Modi. People want change, and the BJP is ready to serve the interests of Keralites,” he said.
Rajasekharan pointed to the lack of industrial and commercial infrastructure in the state, which has forced many Malayalis to migrate for jobs. “We have to accept the reality that there are not enough jobs here,” he remarked.
Senior BJP leader from Maharashtra, Gopal Shetty, who has been campaigning in Kerala along with a team led by Vinod Tawde since March 20, said the massive turnout at the rally signals a “monumental political shift” in the state.
“The overwhelming response has shaken the confidence of both LDF and UDF. Today’s rally is proof that the BJP is destined to hoist its banner of victory in Kerala,” he declared.
The rally witnessed huge public participation, reflecting growing support for the BJP-led NDA in central Kerala as the state heads for polls on April 9.
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