Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot with the United Democratic Front (UDF) Wadakkanchery candidate P.N. Vaishakh at a development conclave organised as part of the UDF election campaign in Wadakkanchery on Thursday
| Photo Credit: K.K. NAJEEB
Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Thursday (April 2, 2026) launched a sharp attack on both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF), alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan function in similar ways.
Addressing a development conclave titled ‘Vision Wadakkanchery’ in support of the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate P.N. Vaishakh, Mr. Pilot expressed confidence that the UDF would register a “massive victory” in the State in the upcoming Assembly elections.
“Modi and Pinarayi (sic) are working in the same manner. Across Kerala, government-funded hoardings carry only the Chief Minister’s image. Their styles of propaganda are no different,” he said.
Alleging corruption and nepotism, he said both the Union and State governments were “birds of the same feather.” “There is favouritism, appointments of close associates, and misuse of power. Even among the Left supporters, many do not want the LDF to return to power,” he said.
Mr. Pilot accused Central agencies of selectively targeting Congress leaders while sparing the Left. “The ED, Income Tax, and CBI are used against Congress leaders, but not a single case involving Pinarayi Vijayan is being pursued,” he said.
Citing the SNC-Lavalin case, he alleged that repeated adjournments in the Supreme Court at the Centre’s instance pointed to an “unholy nexus” between the BJP and the Left.
On the Sabarimala gold theft issue, he criticised the State government’s response and alleged silence from the BJP. “The Chief Minister says it is not even an issue. Yet, there is no word from the BJP either,” he said.
Mr. Pilot also attacked the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, calling it an attempt to undermine the rights of religious minorities. “The Congress strongly opposes this. It is part of the BJP’s hidden agenda,” he said, rejecting the Centre’s claim that the move ensured transparency.
He said the Congress alone stood for an inclusive vision of India beyond caste and religion, and accused the BJP of continuing divisive politics. “Even while speaking about infiltration in Assam, Modi forgets that it is the BJP that governs the State,” he said.
Meanwhile, the UDF candidate outlined his development agenda for Wadakkanchery. He promised a comprehensive master plan, action against irregular appointments in the medical college, and the establishment of a health university on the lines of AIIMS. He also pledged measures to tackle human-wildlife conflict through expanded solar fencing, set up local markets on the Tamil Nadu model, and introduce finishing schools to boost educational outcomes.
Published – April 02, 2026 08:41 pm IST
