Thiruvananthapuram, 23 Jan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accused the ruling Left Democratic Alliance (LDF) government in Kerala of harming Sabarimala Temple traditions and promised a full investigation into the gold theft case if the BJP comes to power in the State in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Addressing a gathering in Thiruvananthapuram, PM Modi said, "The entire country, all of us, have unwavering faith in Lord Ayyappa. However, the LDF government has left no stone unturned in damaging the traditions of the Sabarimala Temple. Now, reports of gold theft are emerging from here.

Reports of gold being stolen from the temple, from right next to the Lord. I want to make one thing clear: the moment a BJP government is formed here, a thorough investigation into these allegations will take place, and the culprits will have their place in jail. This is Modi's guarantee."

The Sabarimala gold theft case concerns allegations of the misappropriation of approximately 4.54 kilograms of gold from sacred temple artefacts, including the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) door frames and Dwarapalaka idols. The theft allegedly occurred in 2019 under the pretext of refinishing and re-gold-plating temple structures.

The controversy traces its origins to a 1998 donation by industrialist Vijay Mallya, who had gifted 30.3 kilograms of gold and 1,900 kilograms of copper for gold plating and cladding work at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. Subsequent inspections and court-monitored inquiries revealed discrepancies between the donated gold and the quantity allegedly used.

Prime Minister also alleged that corruption under the LDFgovernment has harmed Kerala's development and affected bank savings, promising that a BJP government will recover money lost in scams like the cooperative bank case.

"Corruption has severely hampered development in Kerala. Even the savings deposited in banks under the LDF have been affected. The cooperative bank scam has resulted in the hard-earned money of the poor and middle class being looted....Give BJP an opportunity, and we will ensure that every rupee from the looters is taken back," PM Modi said.

He further hailed the BJP's recent win in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation as historic, saying it marks the party's foundation in Kerala and represents a victory against corruption while promising good governance and development.

"BJP's victory in Thiruvanathapuram is not ordinary. This is historic and unprecedented. Thiruvanathapuram has laid the foundation of BJP Govt in Kerala. You gave BJP the opportunity to serve at the Thiruvananthapuram Municipality. Its echo resounds not just in Kerala but across the country. This is the victory of a party which works for good governance. This victory is for building 'Viksit Kerala'. This victory is that of the commitment to liberate Kerala from the corruption of LDF and UDF," he said.

BJP State Secretary and Kodunganoor ward councillor VVRajesh was elected Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation on 26 December, marking the BJP's breakthrough in Kerala's urban politics.

Rajesh secured 51 votes with support from 50 BJP councillors and one independent councillor. UDF's KS Sabarinathan got 17 votes, LDF's RP Shivaji 29.

Meanwhile, GS Asha Nath was elected as the Deputy Mayor on the same day.