PM Modi promises to 'jail culprits' in Sabarimala gold theft case if BJP forms govt in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that if the BJP forms a government in Kerala, the alleged loss of gold at the Sabarimala temple will be examined and those responsible will be sent to jail.

Modi was in the Kerala capital to launch and inaugurate multiple development projects and flag off new train services. He was addressing a BJP-NDA public meeting, marking the party’s formal campaign push in the state following its recent victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation elections.

“If BJP forms the government in Kerala, the Sabarimala gold loss will be examined and the culprits will be jailed. This is Modi’s guarantee,” the Prime Minister said while addressing a public rally in Thiruvananthapuram.


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At the rally, Modi launched a sharp attack on the Congress and said, “Congress has become MMC — Muslim League Maoist Congress.”

Referring to the BJP’s win in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Modi said it marked the beginning of a larger political shift in Kerala. “This win is the victory of resolve to make ‘Viksit Kerala’. This win is the victory of commitment to free Kerala from the corruption of LDF, UDF,” he said. "The Left and the Congress have consistently failed to address the needs of our people. However, our BJP team has already begun working towards a developed Thiruvananthapuram. To the people of the city, I say -- have faith, the change that has long been overdue is finally on its way."

Drawing a parallel with the BJP’s early rise in Gujarat, Modi said, “Prior to 1987, BJP was a small party in Gujarat. Newspapers didn’t even print two lines about the party then. In 1987, the BJP registered victory in Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation for the first time, similar to what you have gained victory in Thiruvananthapuram.”

“People saw our work, judged our behaviour and the result of which is that the people of Gujarat have been trusting us since decades now. It all started with one city and in Kerala too, it has started from one city and that is why I say, Kerala has now trusted the BJP,” he added.

Calling the moment emotional, the Prime Minister told party workers, “It is a very emotional moment for me today... the hard work of lakhs of workers is bearing fruit now. Before I begin my speech, I want to humbly greet lakhs of workers, people of Kerala, people of Thiruvananthapuram, and all our supporters.”

He also said the BJP’s civic poll win had created national resonance. “The sound of victory is resonating not only Kerala but entire country. It is a victory of party which works for good governance,” Modi said. “I see a new energy, a new hope here today. Your energy gives us the confidence that now there will indeed be a change in Kerala.”