“I Will Bear the Abuse of Reel Makers, But I Cannot Insult a Child’s Love”: Why PM Modi Said This in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a public rally in Kerala’s capital on Friday, struck an emotional chord as he interacted with children in his trademark style and took a sharp dig at political opponents who accuse him of staging such moments for social media.

During the rally, the Prime Minister engaged in a warm exchange with a young child holding a poster. Modi requested the child to write his address on the back of the photograph so that he could write to him in the future. Referring to criticism and trolling over such interactions, Modi said he was willing to endure abuse and mockery but would never disrespect a child’s affection.

“Wherever I go across the country, children and young people express their feelings with great sincerity. Some people then create different kinds of reels and call it a pre-planned drama. I hear all those abuses,” Modi said. “I understand your love. I understand the emotions of small children. I will continue to face the abuse of reel-makers, but I cannot insult the love of a child who has put in two or three days of effort,” he added.

‘Beginning of Change in Kerala’
Addressing the large gathering, Prime Minister Modi described the moment as deeply emotional and said the hard work of party workers was beginning to show results. “The energy and enthusiasm here reflect a new hope. This is a clear sign that change has begun in Kerala,” he said.

Launch of Major Development Projects
During his visit, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of multiple development projects and flagged off new train services. He said these initiatives symbolized a new momentum in Kerala’s development driven by the Centre’s efforts.

Modi flagged off three Amrit Bharat Express trains and a Thrissur–Guruvayur passenger train, aimed at strengthening rail connectivity between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. He said these services would boost tourism and make travel easier for pilgrims, especially between Guruvayur and Thrissur.

He also laid the foundation stone of the CSIR–NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Centre, launched the PM Svanidhi Credit Card linked with UPI, inaugurated the new Poojappura Head Post Office, and laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art radio surgery centre at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology.

Focus on Urban Poor and Welfare Schemes
Highlighting the Centre’s focus on inclusive development, Modi said over four crore houses have been built for the poor under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, including more than one crore homes for urban poor families. In Kerala alone, around 1.25 lakh urban poor families have received permanent homes, he said.

He also spoke about welfare initiatives such as the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to reduce electricity costs, Ayushman Bharat providing free healthcare up to ₹5 lakh, and the Matr Vandana Yojana for women’s health security. Modi added that income tax exemption up to ₹12 lakh has significantly benefited Kerala’s middle class and salaried employees.

Empowering Street Vendors Through PM Svanidhi
The Prime Minister emphasized that millions of citizens have been brought into the banking system over the past 11 years. He said the PM Svanidhi scheme has transformed the lives of street vendors who earlier depended on high-interest informal loans.

“For the first time, street vendors across the country are receiving bank loans and even credit cards,” Modi said, adding that PM Svanidhi Credit Cards have been distributed to over 10,000 beneficiaries in Kerala, including more than 600 in Thiruvananthapuram.

Concluding his address, Modi said that the vision of a Developed India cannot be achieved without a Developed Kerala, and assured the state of full support from the Centre in accelerating its growth journey.