Home Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates Kerala BJP's New Office, Woos Party Workers For 2026 Elections

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has launched the BJP's campaign for the upcoming local body elections in Kerala. He expressed confidence that the NDA, led by the BJP, would secure over 25% of the votes and win most wards. Addressing a gathering of BJP ward-level leaders, Shah emphasised the party's commitment to realising its dream of coming to power in Kerala.

Highlighting past achievements, Shah noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India has seen significant developments. He mentioned initiatives like removing Article 370, constructing the Ram Mandir, and banning triple talaq. Shah also claimed that only Modi and the BJP could effectively counter terrorism, citing past military operations as evidence.

BJP's Vision for Kerala

Shah outlined a vision for a developed Kerala through Modi's policies. He stated that true progress would be achieved when BJP comes to power in the state. The party aims to contest in around 21,000 wards and secure at least 25% of the votes in the upcoming elections. Shah urged party members to dedicate themselves to this goal over the next four months.

The local body elections are scheduled for November-December this year. These elections will take place across urban and rural areas in Kerala. The CPM-led LDF has governed Kerala since 2016, while Congress leads the UDF alliance as the main opposition.

Criticism of Current Government

Shah criticised both LDF and UDF regimes for corruption and alleged betrayal of Kerala. He accused them of turning the state into a hub of violence and anti-nationalism. Shah pointed out scandals like gold smuggling under LDF and bar bribery during UDF's rule as examples of their corrupt practices.

He also highlighted developmental projects initiated by BJP, such as Vizhinjam seaport and railway electrification worth Rs 3,000 crore. Two Vande Bharat trains have been allocated to Kerala as part of these efforts. According to Shah, these projects were revived by the Centre after being uncertain under previous governments.

BJP's Growing Influence

Shah dismissed claims that BJP is limited to North India by citing its success in states like Tripura and Odisha. He mentioned that BJP has become a major force in Telangana and aims to form a government in Tamil Nadu soon. In Kerala, BJP's vote share increased from 11% in 2014 to an expected 20% in 2024.

Earlier on Saturday, Shah inaugurated a new state headquarters for BJP in Thiruvananthapuram named after late party stalwart K G Marar. A bust of Marar was unveiled at the central hall of this new building. After meeting senior party leaders, Shah planned to visit Rajarajeshwara Temple before returning to Delhi.