Thiruvananthapuram
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday launched the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) campaign for the upcoming local body elections in Kerala with the slogan Viksit Keralam (Developed Kerala). Addressing a convention of ward-level party workers after inaugurating the new BJP state headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram, Shah asserted that the BJP-led NDA aims to win the majority of the 21,000 wards and secure over 25% of the vote share.
Criticising the CPI(M)-led LDF and the Congress-led UDF alliances, Shah said both had “betrayed Kerala,” and accused them of fostering violence, corruption, and appeasement politics. He reiterated the party’s commitment to a corruption-free, inclusive, and development-driven administration under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Referring to BJP’s growing presence in southern states, he cited successes in Tripura, Telangana, and Odisha, claiming that Kerala is next. “In 2014, we got 11% votes in Kerala, 16% in 2019, and 20% in 2024. Now it’s BJP’s turn to govern,” Shah said.
He also highlighted achievements such as the abrogation of Article 370, construction of the Ram Mandir, and the banning of the Popular Front of India (PFI), stressing the Modi government’s tough stance on terrorism and corruption. Shah ended his visit by unveiling a bust of BJP leader K G Marar at the new party office and called on party workers to dedicate the next four months to building a “developed and secure Kerala” under the BJP banner.