Prime Minister Narendra Modi had underestimated the educated voters of Kerala when he made statements about protecting rituals and traditions during his Kozhikode speech on Friday, Congress leader A.K. Antony said addressing Rashtreeyam Parayam, a political debate organised by the Thrissur Press Club here on Saturday.

“Mr. Modi said his government will try to convince the Supreme Court about the need for upholding the traditions and would Constitutionally protect the right to worship if he was re-elected. Did he need a second term to protect the traditions and culture. Why could he not do it this time. They could have brought an ordinance.”

Kept silent

The NDA government kept mum on the issue (an obvious reference to Sabarimala) and tried to flare up violence in Kerala, Mr. Antony alleged.

The Prime Minister lacked sincerity in the issue, he said adding that it was just poll gimmick and drama. The Indian National Congress was the only party which moved court to protect the traditions.

On Mr. Modi’s allegation that the Opposition insulted the defence forces, Mr. Antony said the Bharatiya Janata Party had always tried to drag ‘forces’ to political controversy.

“As a former Defence Minister I can say that India’s ‘Forces’ are apolitical. They function beyond politics, religion or caste. It is an anti-national activity to drag them into political controversy.”

Two agendas

Mr. Antony said the Congress had only two agendas in this election. The first was to defeat the National Democratic Alliance and throw Mr. Modi out of power. The second was to teach the LDF a lesson for their obduracy and anti-people policies.