Union Home Minister Amit Shah today challenged the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government over the Sabarimala gold theft case, asking whether it had the courage to hand over the probe to a neutral and impartial agency.

He alleged that both the ruling LDF and the opposition Congress-led UDF had failed to protect the faith, security and interests of the people of Kerala.

Referring to the Sabarimala incident, Shah said the gold theft was not an issue confined to Kerala alone but one that had deeply hurt the sentiments of devotees across the country.

He asserted that a government which could not safeguard temple assets could not be trusted to protect people’s beliefs, and demanded an independent and unbiased investigation, stressing that public faith and religious institutions must be protected without political interference.

Inaugurating the ‘New India, New Kerala’ conclave organised by leading Malayalam daily Kerala Kaumudi here, the union Home Minister launched a scathing attack on both political fronts, alleging that the alternating rule of the LDF and UDF had institutionalised corruption in the State.

“When the LDF is in power, the UDF does not investigate corruption, and when the UDF rules, the LDF does not pursue cases. Ultimately, both are corrupt and protect each other,” he charged.

Listing a series of alleged scams, Shah asked whether the Rs 343-crore cooperative bank scam had been properly investigated. He also questioned the absence of conclusive probes into the AI camera scam, LIFE Mission scam, and the PPE kit procurement scam.

Referring to the UDF’s tenure, he said a Rs 100-crore bribery scandal had gone uninvestigated, while cases such as the solar scam and the bridge scam were also allegedly buried.

“These two alliances protect each other’s corruption. The BJP and the NDA want to establish corruption-free governance in Kerala,” he claimed.

Shah asserted that if the people of Kerala genuinely wanted to free the State from corruption, there was only one alternative. “Give the NDA government a chance,” he declared.

Countering allegations by the Kerala government that the State was being treated unfairly by the Centre, the union Home Minister presented figures on central assistance.

He said that between 2004 and 2014, the UPA government had given Rs 72,000 crore to Kerala, while between 2014 and 2024, the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had provided Rs 3,23,000 crore, excluding Rs 22,000 crore, despite the BJP not being in power in the State.

“Yet Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan says Kerala is being treated unfairly. Injustice was done to Kerala under your rule, not under ours,” Shah said, accusing the Chief Minister of attempting to create a false narrative that PM Modi was against Kerala.

“If there is any error or omission in my figures, correct it tomorrow. Otherwise, accept that your government—not ours—has done injustice to Kerala. There must be transparency in public life. You cannot make accusations and then run away,” he said.

Shah added that BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar would hold a press conference at 4 pm the next day if the Chief Minister responded to the figures. “But I am confident he will not get that opportunity, because Pinarayi Vijayan will not give any answer,” he remarked.

The ‘New India, New Kerala’ conclave, inaugurated by Shah, is being held as part of the 114th anniversary celebrations of Kerala Kaumudi. The forum aims to deliberate on Kerala’s future development roadmap in tune with India’s rapid economic and infrastructural growth.

Over the past two decades, India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies globally, recording major advances in sectors such as transport, aerospace, defence and public welfare.

Against this backdrop, the conclave seeks to examine how Kerala can align its development priorities with the nation’s expanding economic, social, industrial and infrastructure framework.

The State has already launched several major projects to accelerate growth, including the Vizhinjam International Seaport, six-lane railway expansion, and enhanced rail connectivity through services such as the Vande Bharat Express, all of which are expected to significantly boost Kerala’s connectivity and economic potential.

The conclave will feature in-depth discussions involving experts, policymakers and leaders from various sectors, focusing on key development goals Kerala can pursue over the next 20 years.

Emphasis will also be placed on strengthening cooperation between the government and citizens to realise these long-term objectives.

The “New India, New Kerala – Conclave Series” is intended to shape ideas and strategies for building a progressive Kerala that grows alongside India’s fast-paced development and is expected to draw wide participation from political, economic and social spheres.