Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala, citing the alleged loss of gold from the Sabarimala temple treasury, as he kickstarted the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) campaign for the 2026 state assembly elections.
A Political Onslaught in Thiruvananthapuram
Amit Shah addressed a massive public meeting in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, January 11, 2026, marking a significant moment in the BJP's efforts to expand its footprint in the southern state. The senior BJP leader did not mince words, directly targeting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over issues of corruption and governance.
The alleged misappropriation of gold from the sacred Sabarimala temple's vaults became a central pillar of Shah's critique. He accused the state government of failing in its duty to protect the assets of the renowned pilgrimage site, a charge that resonates deeply with millions of devotees. Shah framed this not just as administrative failure but as a profound breach of trust with the faithful.
Corruption and Law & Order: The Core Charges
Beyond the Sabarimala issue, the Union Minister mounted a broader assault on the LDF administration's record. He alleged that Kerala has become a hub for corruption under the current regime, stifling development and betraying public confidence.
Shah also questioned the law and order situation in the state, implying that the government had lost control. This dual focus on corruption and security is a strategic move by the BJP to challenge the LDF's governance narrative head-on. The public meeting, brimming with party supporters, served as the launchpad for what is expected to be an aggressive two-year campaign leading up to the 2026 polls.
BJP's Southern Ambition and the Road to 2026
The event in the state capital underscores the BJP's determined push to emerge as a formidable force in Kerala's political landscape, which has traditionally been dominated by the LDF and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). By highlighting emotive issues like the Sabarimala temple's security, the BJP aims to consolidate Hindu votes and position itself as the primary alternative to the two established fronts.
Amit Shah's visit and sharp rhetoric signal that the BJP is not willing to cede any ground and is preparing for a long, hard battle for the 2026 Kerala assembly elections. The party's strategy involves directly taking on the popular but controversial Chief Minister Vijayan, hoping to capitalize on alleged anti-incumbency and governance gaps.
As the political temperature rises in Kerala, the stage is set for a fierce triangular contest. The BJP's early campaign launch with a top leader like Amit Shah demonstrates its seriousness in making significant inroads into the state's assembly, aiming to break the longstanding bipolar polity.
