In the lead-up to the 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has launched a scathing critique of the state's ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), asserting that Kerala is yearning for change due to the "failed development" under successive communist administrations. Shah's remarks came during his visit to Thiruvananthapuram where he inaugurated BJP's "Mission 2026," signaling the party's ambitious goal of securing power in the state.
Shah lambasted both the ruling LDF and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), accusing them of engaging in "match-fixing" and prioritizing vote-bank politics with organizations like the PFI and Jamaat. He claimed that this "musical chair" governance by the LDF and UDF has resulted in Kerala experiencing a strange kind of stagnation despite its immense potential. He urged the people to give BJP a chance to implement Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Viksit Kerala" agenda.
A key point of contention raised by Shah was the Sabarimala temple theft, which he described as a matter of national concern that has shamed India. Questioning the integrity of the state's investigation into the incident, Shah alleged that the FIR contained loopholes designed to protect the accused. He challenged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to hand over the case to a central agency for a neutral probe. Positioning the BJP as the sole protector of faith and tradition in Kerala, Shah stated that those who could not protect the assets of Sabarimala could not safeguard the people's faith.
Shah also cautioned that Kerala faces emerging threats to its law and order and questioned the safety assurances provided by organizations like PFI and Jamaat-e-Islami. He emphasized the government's duty to identify and eliminate such dangers.
Despite a drop in BJP's vote share in the local body polls, Shah expressed confidence that his party will come to power in Kerala in 2026. He noted the steady growth of BJP's vote share in Kerala, from 11% in 2014 to around 20% in 2024, and expressed confidence in achieving 30-40% by 2026. Shah emphasized that the local body election win in Thiruvananthapuram was not the final goal and urged party workers to strive towards securing a BJP Chief Minister in Kerala. He stated that Kerala's progress is only possible under a BJP government.
The Kerala Legislative Assembly election is expected to be held in April 2026. The incumbent Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), which won 99 seats in 2021, will be attempting a historic third consecutive term. The United Democratic Front (UDF), which secured 41 seats in 2021, is hoping for an organizational restructuring and leadership renewal to improve its prospects. Opinion polls suggest a close contest, with the UDF holding a narrow lead over the LDF, while the BJP continues to register limited support.