Modi Addresses 'Vikasit Keralam' NDA Rally in Kochi; Backs State as Top Wedding and Conference Destination

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the NDA's "Vikasit Keralam with Modi" meeting in Kochi, making a strong pitch for the party ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections while highlighting the state's potential in tourism, technology, and talent — and formally embracing the state's new name, Keralam.

Modi said the state possesses unique natural advantages — its geography, climate, and growing technology ecosystem — that position it perfectly to become India's number one destination for weddings and conferences. He outlined new opportunities he said an NDA government would create across three key sectors: tourism, talent, and technology, framing them as the pillars of a transformed Keralam economy.

Addressing the ongoing West Asia conflict directly, the Prime Minister assured citizens that the safety of all Indians in the Gulf region remains the government's top priority. He used the energy crisis triggered by the war to make a broader argument for self-reliance, pointing to solar energy projects and the adoption of electric vehicles as critical steps toward reducing India's dependence on imported fossil fuels. "The crisis highlights the importance of Atma Nirbharta," he said.

Modi trained his political fire on both the ruling Left Democratic Front and the opposition United Democratic Front, alleging that despite carrying different names and ideological labels, the two fronts are in practice "partners in corruption" who have consistently obstructed the state's development. He called for a double-engine government — with the NDA in power both in Thiruvananthapuram and at the Centre — promising that it would deliver "double development" for the people of Keralam.

He noted with satisfaction that voters in Thrissur, Thiruvananthapuram, and numerous panchayats had already extended their confidence to the NDA, and expressed optimism that the trend would sweep across the state in the coming elections.

Modi also formally acknowledged and expressed happiness over the Union Cabinet's recent decision to rename the state from Kerala to Keralam — the name by which it is known in Malayalam — describing it as an important step in honouring the state's linguistic identity and cultural heritage.