Minutes after he offered prayers at the famous Guruvayur temple in Kerala's Thrissur district, it was back to politics for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing a gathering of BJP leaders and workers, the PM acknowledged that Kerala was a state that rejected the BJP. Though the party had increased its vote share, BJP was not able to win a single seat in Kerala.
After his visit to the temple, the PM addressed an ‘abhinandan sabha’ (congratulatory sabha') organised by the state BJP at the Guruvayur school.
"Some pundits think that BJP could not open its account in Kerala but Modi is going there to thank people. What is in his mind? But this is our culture, our thinking," he said.
Then, making a clear political statement to the people of Kerala, also in a bid to allay fears of alienation, the PM said, "We believe that elections have a place of their own but after elections, the more important responsibility is towards the 130 crore citizens. Those who made us win are ours, those who did not make us win are also ours. Kerala is as much mine as is Varanasi," he said.
He began his speech by saying that visiting the Guruvayur temple has given him new vigour and direction. The PM also said that he feels a connect with the land (Kerala) where the Lord Krishna temple stands.
The PM also spoke about the Nipah virus and assured that the Centre would extend all cooperation to the state government and people of Kerala.
He concluded by saying that people of India have rejected negativity and chosen positivity, and voted for building a new India.