Live: BJP at receiving end of political untouchability in Kerala, says Narendra Modi

Kerala CM Oommen Chandy gave Narendra Modi a 'ceremonial welcome' in Kochi

Thrissur

: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Kochi Naval Base on a two-day trip to Kerala on Monday. The Prime Minister was received by Kerala Governor P Sathasivam and Chief Minister Oomen Chandy.

Here are the highlights of his speech at a rally:

I want to apologise to Kerala, I should have come here earlier.

After Independence, if you look at the political history of a state, BJP and its ideology has suffered atrocities the most in Kerala.

I wanted to visit Sabrimala but had told my team that the pilgrims shouldn't face any inconvenience due to my visit.

In past some years, more than 200 BJP workers were killed, murdered due to political reasons in Kerala.

BJP has been at the receiving end of political untouchability in Kerala from other parties.

Today I pay tribute to all those BJP workers for their martyrdom.

People have made up their minds now, they have accepted you (BJP) whole-heartedly, your hard work has paid off.

During my visit to UAE I met many Indian workers, and I also interacted with people from Kerala.

Few months ago, some of our daughters from Kerala who were working as nurses were held captive by terrorists, entire country was in tears.

Earlier, Modi tweeted: -"Looking forward to visiting 'God's Own Country', the beautiful #Kerala for a 2-day visit. Will be in Thrissur, Kochi, Kollam & Varkala,-" Prime Minister Modi tweeted before leaving for Kochi.

Looking forward to visiting 'God's Own Country', the beautiful #Kerala for a 2-day visit. Will be in Thrissur, Kochi, Kollam & Varkala.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 14, 2015

During the visit, the Prime Minister will address Combined Commanders' Conference on INS Vikramaditya tomorrow. He will also meet Sree Narayana Guru at the Sivagiri Mutt.

-"Will pay respects to Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt. Who can forget Sree Narayana Guru's great contribution to education& social reform,-" Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

On 15th, will unveil a statue of Shri R Shankar at a SNDP programme. SNDP has done wonderful work for marginalised sections of society.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 14, 2015

-"In Thrissur I will address a @BJP4India meeting this evening. I will interact with our Karyakartas & leaders in Kerala during the meeting,-" he added.

Will address the Combined Commanders’ Conference on INS Vikramaditya tomorrow. https://t.co/fMUyBNVxsm

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 14, 2015

On Tuesday, he will unveil a statue of former Chief Minister R Shankar at a Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) programme in Kollam.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Government had earlier drawn flak from Congress after Kerala Chief Minister Chandy was asked to keep off the SNDP event.

The Kerala Chief Minister had, however, said that he would give a 'ceremonial welcome' to the Prime Minister to uphold democratic values.

Meanwhile, the government today clarified that Prime Minister's Office has no role in excluding Chandy's name. Replying to a point raised by Congress leader K C Venugopal, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said centre does not want any confrontation with any state.

Rajnath said the Congress leader's allegation is completely baseless and without any facts. The Home minister said the socio cultural organisation Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) has unanimously passed a resolution not to invite the chief minister.