Overview
- Amit Shah urged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to hand the Sabarimala investigation to a neutral agency, asserting the state police cannot ensure an impartial probe and alleging the FIR shields suspects linked to the ruling front.
- Shah said the BJP will mount statewide protests and door-to-door outreach, positioning the ‘protection of faith’ alongside development and safety as the party’s three campaign planks.
- A Special Investigation Team appointed on high court orders continues to probe alleged misappropriation of temple gold tied to renovation and re-plating work, with at least 12 arrests including Travancore Devaswom Board officials, two CPI(M) leaders and the chief priest.
- Citing recent local body gains, including control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Shah called the results a stepping stone and reiterated the party’s goal of forming a government and installing a BJP chief minister in Kerala.
- Party sources indicated Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Thiruvananthapuram later this month to reinforce the push, as the BJP seeks to convert organizational gains into statewide support.