Thiruvananthapuram: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday launched a blistering attack on Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over the alleged gold theft at Sabarimala, demanding that the case be handed over to a “neutral investigation agency”.

Addressing newly elected BJP representatives of local bodies and inaugurating the party’s Mission 2026 campaign for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, Shah said the alleged theft was not merely a state issue but a matter of faith for devotees across the country.

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“Those who failed to protect the sacred properties of Sabarimala cannot safeguard the faith of the people,” Shah declared, asserting that only the Bharatiya Janata Party can protect the beliefs of devotees in Kerala.

Taking direct aim at the state government, Shah claimed he had examined the FIR in the case and alleged that the way it was drafted appeared to shield the accused.

He further claimed that two individuals linked to the ruling LDF were under suspicion, questioning how a fair probe could be conducted under such circumstances.

The Congress, he said, could also not be absolved, alleging that evidence had emerged pointing to the involvement of its leaders as well.

“I demand that the Chief Minister hand over the probe to a neutral investigation agency. The BJP will launch protests and door-to-door awareness campaigns. This is democracy, Vijayan, and you must order a neutral agency probe,” Shah said, reiterating that the party would take the issue directly to the people.

Expanding his attack beyond the Sabarimala issue, Shah took a swipe at rival political ideologies, declaring, “Communism is over worldwide, and across India the Congress is finished.” He asserted that Kerala’s development was possible only under a BJP government.

“Our path has never been easy. Securing a BJP victory in Kerala is a formidable challenge. But our final goal is clear — to form a BJP government in Kerala under the lotus symbol and bring a BJP Chief Minister,” the Union Minister said.