In a high-decibel start to the election season in Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning to the ruling LDF government on Friday. Speaking in Thiruvananthapuram, the PM promised a rigorous crackdown on the alleged Sabarimala gold theft case, vowing that the culprits would be jailed the moment a BJP government is formed in the state.
The Prime Minister was in the state capital to flag off new train services and launch infrastructure projects, but his speech quickly turned into a powerful political appeal ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly Elections 2026.
The Sabarimala Gold Row
The controversy, which has triggered a political firestorm in the state, involves allegations of massive misappropriation of gold from the temple’s sanctum.
- The Allegations: Reports suggest gold was stolen from the door frames of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) and the plates covering the Dwarapalaka (guardian) idols.
- The Current Status: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kerala Police is currently probing the case under the direction of the Kerala High Court.
- PM’s Stance: Modi accused the LDF government of failing to protect the traditions and assets of the temple. “Reports of gold being stolen from right next to the Lord… this is Modi’s guarantee: the culprits will have their place in jail,” he declared.
Challenging the LDF-UDF Status Quo
Addressing a massive gathering, the Prime Minister framed the upcoming elections as a turning point for the state’s “condition and direction.”
- The Two Fronts: He criticized both the LDF (Left Democratic Front) and the UDF (United Democratic Front) for a “relay-race” of destruction, claiming they have held back Kerala’s potential for decades.
- The Third Alternative: Modi pitched the BJP-led NDA as the only force capable of bringing “good governance and development” to the state.
- Infrastructure Push: To back his development claims, the PM launched several Amrit Bharat train services and unveiled key connectivity projects designed to modernize Kerala’s transport network.
Political Significance
The Prime Minister’s direct intervention in the Sabarimala issue is a clear signal that the BJP intends to make temple administration and religious tradition a central pillar of its 2026 campaign. By framing the gold loss as a failure of the state government, the NDA hopes to consolidate the votes of the faithful who were previously angered by the 2018 temple entry controversy.