PM Modi accuses LDF of undermining Sabarimala traditions, promises to ‘jail culprits’ in gold theft case

In his address, the Prime Minister also alleged that corruption under the LDF government has harmed Kerala’s overall development (Image: PTI)

• Modi accuses Kerala's LDF govt of harming Sabarimala temple traditions
• BJP promises full probe into Sabarimala gold theft if elected in Kerala
• BJP's Thiruvananthapuram win seen as historic, anti-corruption stand

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday charged the Kerala government led by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) with hurting Sabarimala temple traditions, and pledged a full-scale investigation into the gold theft case should the BJP win the upcoming Assembly polls in the state.

“The entire country, all of us, have unwavering faith in Lord Ayyappa. However, the LDF government has left no stone unturned in damaging the traditions of the Sabarimala Temple. Now, reports of gold theft are emerging from here. Reports of gold being stolen from the temple, from right next to the Lord,” the Prime Minister said, addressing a gathering in Thiruvananthapuram.

“I want to make one thing clear: the moment a BJP government is formed here, a thorough investigation into these allegations will take place, and the culprits will have their place in jail. This is Modi's guarantee,” he added.

His remarks come at a time when the Sabarimala gold theft case has triggered intense political debate. The matter concerns the alleged misappropriation of gold from the sanctum door frames and the plates adorning the dwarapalaka (guardian idols), and is under investigation by a special investigation team (SIT) of the Kerala Police as directed by the High Court.

In his address, the Prime Minister also alleged that corruption under the LDF government has harmed Kerala’s overall development.

“Corruption has severely hampered development in Kerala. Even the savings deposited in banks under the LDF have been affected. The cooperative bank scam has resulted in the hard-earned money of the poor and middle class being looted… Give BJP an opportunity, and we will ensure that every rupee from the looters is taken back,” the Prime Minister said.

He further hailed the BJP's recent win in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation as historic, saying it marks the party's foundation in Kerala and represents a victory against corruption while promising good governance and development.

"BJP's victory in Thiruvanathapuram is not ordinary. This is historic and unprecedented. Thiruvanathapuram has laid the foundation of BJP Govt in Kerala. You gave BJP the opportunity to serve at the Thiruvananthapuram Municipality. Its echo resounds not just in Kerala but across the country. This is the victory of a party which works for good governance. This victory is for building 'Viksit Kerala'. This victory is that of the commitment to liberate Kerala from the corruption of LDF and UDF," he said.

In a landmark moment for the BJP in Kerala, state secretary and Kodunganoor ward councillor VV Rajesh was elected mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation on December 26. Rajesh secured 51 votes, drawing support from 50 BJP councillors and an independent member, while UDF candidate KS Sabarinathan and LDF’s RP Shivaji garnered 17 and 29 votes, respectively.

Meanwhile, GS Asha Nath was elected as the deputy mayor on the same day.