Union Home Minister Amit Shah has called for a "neutral" probe into the alleged gold theft at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, intensifying the political battleground ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. Addressing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) representatives and launching the party's Mission 2026 campaign on Sunday, January 11, 2026, Shah criticized the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, headed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, for failing to protect the temple's assets and the faith of devotees.

The alleged gold heist, which involves the misappropriation of approximately 4.54 kg of gold from sacred temple artifacts, including the Sreekovil door frames and Dwarapalaka idols, has sparked a series of political accusations. The BJP claims a cover-up and is demanding an independent investigation, separate from the Kerala police. The LDF government denies any wrongdoing. The state-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) suggests the gold, embedded in sacred structures, was stripped, diverted, and converted in 2015 through a scheme involving temple officials, intermediaries, and private jewelers. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also registered a case regarding the missing gold.

Shah asserted that the gold theft is a matter of national concern, not just limited to Kerala. He stated that the First Information Report (FIR) in the case was intentionally drafted to protect the accused. Shah also alleged the involvement of individuals associated with both the LDF and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). He questioned how an impartial investigation could be possible under such circumstances, suggesting that ministers are involved.

"Those who failed to protect the sacred properties of Sabarimala cannot safeguard the faith of the people," Shah declared, emphasizing that only the BJP can protect the beliefs of devotees in Kerala. He demanded that Chief Minister Vijayan hand over the probe to a neutral investigation agency, warning of BJP protests and awareness campaigns across Kerala until the demand is met.

Setting the stage for the upcoming elections, Shah predicted a breakthrough for the BJP in Kerala. He claimed the party's vote share has risen from 16% in 2019 to 20% in 2024 and projected a further jump to 30-40% in 2026. Shah linked Kerala's future to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047 and accused both the LDF and UDF of "match-fixing" that has led to stagnation.