Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that individuals involved in the Sabarimala temple gold smuggling case would face jail time if the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) wins the upcoming elections in Kerala. Speaking at a public rally in Kattakada, he highlighted the failures of both the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in ensuring development and curbing corruption in the state.

Shah explained that Kerala has frequently alternated between the UDF and LDF, yet neither alliance has succeeded in fostering progress. He promised that if the NDA were to form the government, it would prioritise transparency and development devoid of electoral politics aimed at particular groups. “We are committed to placing Bharat Mata in high esteem,” Shah affirmed.

He further accused Congress and Communist parties of collaborating outside Kerala while maintaining a façade of rivalry within the state. According to Shah, this tactic is intended to mislead voters and consolidate power, despite their actual alliance in other regions of India.

Criticism of the Current Government

Earlier in the day, during a public gathering in the Kunnathunadu constituency of Ernakulam district, Shah directed sharp criticism at the LDF government. He asserted that the upcoming Assembly elections represent a pivotal moment for Kerala’s future rather than merely a shift in administration.

Shah noted that Kerala was the first state in India to achieve full literacy and emphasized that while the region boasts educated and intelligent youth, many lack job opportunities. He claimed that the NDA aims to generate employment within the state to prevent young individuals from seeking work abroad.

He expressed a vision of a Kerala where local youth could secure jobs and avoid migrating to countries in the Gulf. Citing global trends, he mentioned that Communist parties face diminishing influence worldwide, asserting that the NDA’s time to govern is imminent based on prior voting trends in Kerala.

Election Details and Voter Statistics

Polling for the Kerala Legislative Assembly elections is scheduled for April 9, with votes to be counted on May 4. The current Assembly session is expected to conclude on May 23. The UDF, led by Congress, is seeking to dethrone the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF, which has held power for approximately ten years.

The election will see participation from around 2.7 crore voters, as indicated by the final voter roll. As of February 21, 2,69,53,644 voters were registered, including 1,31,26,048 male voters, 1,38,27,319 female voters, and 227 voters identifying as third-gender. Notably, 4,24,518 voters are within the 18 to 19 age range, highlighting young voter engagement in the upcoming elections.

In his address, Shah remarked on various government initiatives, claiming that the state government has appropriated credit for schemes financed by the central government. He referenced specific programmes, such as the provision of subsidised rice and the funding for National Highway 66, arguing that the state has not adequately communicated the contributions of the Centre.

Shah concluded by addressing recent remarks by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi concerning petrol prices, clarifying that while prices have surged to 460 Rs per litre, this rise occurs in locations outside India, not within Kerala.

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