Union Home Minister Amit Shah issued a sharp ultimatum to the Kerala government on Sunday, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and threatening statewide BJP protests. The demand centers on the alleged gold heist linked to the sacred Sabarimala hill shrine, with Shah insisting on a "neutral probe" independent of the state police.
Call for Resignation and Allegations of a Cover-Up
Addressing party workers at a felicitation event for BJP local body poll winners in Thiruvananthapuram, Shah declared it was time for the Chief Minister to step down. He accused the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) of failing both in protecting Sabarimala and in bringing development to Kerala.
Shah directly questioned the integrity of the current investigation, stating the First Information Report (FIR) in the case was "designed to protect the real culprits." He emphasized the need for an impartial inquiry, asking how justice could be served "when ministers are involved." The BJP has consistently alleged a cover-up by the state government, which has denied any wrongdoing.
The Sabarimala Gold Heist Case
The controversy stems from an alleged operation in 2015, where gold embedded in sacred structures at the Pathanamthitta district shrine was reportedly stripped, diverted, and converted. A state-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) findings suggest the planned operation involved temple officials, intermediaries, and private jewellers. This case has become a major political flashpoint in the state.
BJP's 2026 Election Roadmap and Confidence
Setting the tone for the BJP's campaign ahead of the crucial 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, Shah expressed strong confidence in the party's prospects. He predicted a political breakthrough, stating, "The lotus will bloom in the state as BJP will assume office in 2026." He outlined the party's aims as developing Kerala, protecting it from "anti-nationals," and safeguarding the devotional traditions of its people.
Shah accused both the LDF and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) of engaging in "match-fixing" that has led to the state's stagnation. Linking Kerala's future to national goals, he said, "The path to development of Kerala is with NDA under the leadership of Modi-ji," connecting it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047.
Citing the party's growth trajectory, Shah noted that the BJP's vote share in Kerala rose from 16% in 2019 to 20% in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He projected a significant jump to "30% to 40%" in the 2026 assembly polls. Expressing faith in state leadership, he said he was confident that BJP state president Rajiv Chandrasekhar could end the "musical chair" alternation of power between the LDF and UDF.
Drawing parallels with other states where the BJP grew from a marginal presence to forming governments, such as Assam, Manipur, Tripura, and Uttar Pradesh, Shah ended on a symbolic note: "Today we have a mayor in Thiruvananthapuram, and tomorrow we will see a CM."
