Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union Minister Amit Shah officially launched the party's election campaign in the southern state of Kerala on Sunday, January 11, 2026. In a sharp political attack, he invoked the infamous Sabarimala gold heist case to criticize the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF).
Shah's Scathing Attack on Rivals
Addressing a party gathering, Amit Shah stated that communist parties and the Indian National Congress are facing elimination across the country. He asserted that this political wave would soon reach Kerala, signaling a significant shift in the state's political landscape. Shah directly linked the current state government to the high-profile Sabarimala temple gold robbery, using it as a central point to question the law and order and governance under the Pinarayi Vijayan-led administration.
He framed the upcoming electoral battle as a fight against corruption and misrule, positioning the BJP as the emerging alternative for the people of Kerala. The Union Home Minister's remarks are seen as a direct attempt to consolidate Hindu votes by highlighting an issue linked to a major pilgrimage centre.
Political Context and Significance
The event marks the formal commencement of the BJP's intensive canvassing for the upcoming state assembly elections. Kerala has traditionally been a bipolar political arena, dominated by the LDF and the UDF. The BJP, which has been striving to make inroads, views this as a crucial opportunity to break the mould.
By raising the Sabarimala gold theft, Shah aimed to tap into local sentiments and alleged administrative failures. The incident, which involved the theft of gold ornaments and cash from the temple's strong room, had sparked massive outrage. The BJP's strategy appears to be connecting this with broader themes of governance deficit and religious sanctity.
The Road Ahead for BJP in Kerala
Amit Shah expressed strong confidence in the BJP's prospects, suggesting that the party's time has come in Kerala. His speech outlined a clear narrative:
- Portraying national rivals as weakening forces.
- Highlighting local governance failures through symbolic issues like the heist.
- Presenting the BJP as the only viable and growing political alternative.
The campaign kickoff on January 11, 2026, sets the stage for a highly aggressive and contentious election season in the state. Political analysts will be watching closely to see if the BJP can convert this rhetoric into substantial electoral gains, potentially creating a three-cornered contest in a state that has eluded the party so far.
