Hyderabad: 4 April 2026 Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu urged voters to elect candidates supported by the United Democratic Front (UDF) with a huge majority in the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled on the 9th of this month, to bring about meaningful change, improved welfare, good governance, and secular administration in Kerala.

Speaking during election campaigns and rallies in Pathanamthitta constituency and other parts of Kerala on Saturday, the Deputy CM criticized the Left Democratic Front (LDF) for failing to fulfill the promises made during the previous elections. He stated that governance standards in Kerala have deteriorated significantly. Allegations of irregularities at the Sabarimala temple, rising unemployment, and large-scale migration of youth abroad in search of livelihood were highlighted. He pointed out that senior citizens in the state are being neglected without adequate welfare and support.

He expressed concern that Kerala, once known for secular values, high literacy, and strong humanistic traditions, is no longer reflecting those ideals. He criticized the deviation from communist and Marxist principles, alleging that “goondaism” has replaced them. He emphasized that Congress ideology stands for peace, good governance, and secularism.

Highlighting Telangana’s governance model, he stated that nearly all election promises have been implemented within two years. As Finance Minister, he said he is ready to present detailed accounts. He invited anyone with doubts to visit Telangana and verify the implementation of welfare schemes.

Key achievements in Telangana highlighted include:
• Free bus travel for women across the state, with the government reimbursing RTC regularly; women have availed benefits worth ₹10,000 crore so far.
• Distribution of fine rice to 1.06 crore families out of 1.15 crore households, providing 6 kg per person free of cost (market value ₹55/kg).
• Free electricity up to 200 units for 53 lakh families, with government compensating power utilities monthly.
• ₹500 gas cylinders and construction of pucca houses for the poor, with ₹5 lakh spent per house; 4.5 lakh houses taken up in the first phase under the Indiramma Housing Scheme with an outlay of ₹22,500 crore.
• Farm loan waiver up to ₹2 lakh, fulfilling the promise by depositing ₹21,000 crore directly into farmers’ accounts.
• Filling of 70,000 government jobs within two years.
• Significant investment in education and healthcare, claiming Telangana now spends more on education than Kerala.
• Establishment of Young India Integrated Residential Schools on 25 acres each, with ₹200 crore investment per school, providing international-standard free education and accommodation.

For Kerala, he announced that if the UDF alliance comes to power:
• Women college students will receive ₹1,000 per month.
• Youth will be provided interest-free financial assistance up to ₹5 lakh for self-employment.
• Social pensions will be increased from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000.
• A ₹25 lakh insurance scheme for senior citizens will be introduced in the name of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
• A dedicated Ministry for Senior Citizens will be established to ensure their welfare, especially considering that many youth migrate abroad, leaving elderly family members behind.

He assured that the UDF government would take special care of senior citizens and strengthen welfare mechanisms.

CWC member Rudraraju and others participated in the program.