‘God not secure in Kerala’: Rajnath Singh accuses LDF over Sabarimala gold scam

Senior BJP leader and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday mounted a sharp attack on the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in poll-bound Kerala, alleging that 'God was not secure' in the state often described as God’s own country. He accused the Left Front of betraying Lord Ayyappa 'for a few pieces of gold', referring to the Sabarimala gold loss cases.

Addressing a public rally in Paravur constituency as part of the BJP-led NDA’s campaign, Singh said, 'Just like Judas betrayed Jesus Christ for a few pieces of silver, the LDF has betrayed Lord Ayyappa for a few pieces of gold'.

He argued that if even God was not safe, the condition of ordinary people would be worse. Singh promised that a time-bound CBI probe into the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala shrine would be carried out if the NDA comes to power in the state.

He also called on the state government to clarify how such a lapse occurred in protecting the temple’s gold, stating that it amounted to a betrayal of devotees’ faith and could not be tolerated. 'Those who stole the gold from the doors of the Sabarimala shrine, will be shown the door by the people of Kerala,' he asserted.

Singh further alleged that while certain CPI(M) leaders were involved in stealing the gold, some Congress leaders facilitated its sale, claiming this showed that both the LDF and the United Democratic Front (UDF) were no different.

The Defence Minister accused both fronts of failing the people, dividing society, damaging the economy, and not delivering on their promises. He claimed that Kerala’s debt had risen to nearly ₹5 lakh crore under successive LDF and UDF governments.

Responding to allegations that the Centre withheld funds, Singh said the BJP-led government had provided ₹1.5 lakh crore to Kerala between 2014 and 2024. He also alleged that several central projects were being hindered by the Left government.

He criticised both alliances, saying the term 'front' in LDF and UDF stood for 'front of corruption'. He described LDF as 'loot, division and failure' and UDF as 'untrustworthy, dishonesty and fraud', citing multiple scams under their rule.

Referring to the 2020 gold smuggling case, Singh alleged that it was state-sponsored during the LDF government and involved individuals close to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He also claimed that a member of the CM’s family was allegedly linked to a money laundering case related to Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL). Highlighting past controversies during the UDF rule, he mentioned the solar scam, Palarivattom bridge scam and bar bribery case, stating that the Congress-led front was equally culpable.

Singh also accused Communist parties of fostering political violence in Kerala, alleging that several RSS and BJP workers had been killed over the years. 'Not just in Kerala, but world over the Communists are known for their path of bloodshed,' he said, adding that Left politics was driven by 'revenge and violence'.

He further alleged that both LDF and UDF practised appeasement politics, pointing to the Munambam land issue as an example. According to him, such politics had contributed to rising religious extremism and influenced sections of the youth. Accusing the Congress of attempting to mainstream 'anti-national forces', Singh said the party would go to any extent, 'including selling the country', to gain power.

'Who will save Kerala from Jamaat-e-Islami, Popular Front of India (PFI) and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI),' he asked. He claimed that only the BJP could protect Kerala from such forces and presented it as the only viable alternative for change in the state.

Referring to recent electoral gains, Singh said the victory of Suresh Gopi from Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency in 2024 and the BJP’s win in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation in 2025 marked the beginning of a political shift.

He also mentioned the film The Kerala Story, stating that the real story of Kerala should not reflect what was portrayed in the movie. “It should be about development, progress, prosperity and peace,” he said.

In his speech, Singh alleged that the crime rate in Kerala was rising, indicating a failure of law and order under the Left government. 'Cybercrimes, offences against women and children and alcohol consumption are all increasing in the state,' he contended, adding that Kerala was 'in the grips of drugs'.

He also claimed that unemployment levels were high, forcing many young people to migrate for jobs and education.

Singh further alleged a lack of development and basic infrastructure in the Paravur constituency, currently represented by Opposition leader V D Satheesan. The state is set to go to the polls on April 9, and counting of votes is scheduled on May 4.