Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday used party gathering in Thiruvananthapuram to mount a sharp political offensive in poll-bound Kerala, promising a probe into the alleged loss of gold at the Sabarimala temple if the BJP comes to power, while projecting the party’s civic victory in the state capital as the beginning of a broader political transformation.

Addressing a massive BJP gathering at the Putharikandam Maidan during his Kerala visit, Modi targeted the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), attacked the Congress, and expressed confidence that voters were ready for change ahead of the Assembly elections.

‘Sabarimala gold loss will be examined’

“If BJP forms govt in Kerala, Sabarimala gold loss will be examined, culprits will be jailed; this is Modi's guarantee,” the Prime Minister said.

Modi said the BJP has “deep and unwavering faith in Lord Ayyappa”, while accusing the LDF government of repeatedly undermining the traditions of the Sabarimala Temple.

He alleged that the Left government has “left no stone unturned” in weakening long-standing customs linked to the revered hill shrine.

Sharp attack on Congress and Left

During the same address, Modi launched a political attack on the Congress, referring to it as the “MMC — Muslim League Maoist Congress”.

He said the BJP’s victory in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation marked a decisive step towards liberating Kerala from what he described as the corrupt rule of both the LDF and the United Democratic Front (UDF).

Thiruvananthapuram win signals Kerala shift, says PM

Hailing the BJP’s control of the Thiruvananthapuram corporation — ending more than four decades of Left rule — Modi said the result pointed to a larger political shift in the state.

Drawing a parallel with Gujarat, he recalled that the BJP’s rise there began with winning a single city nearly four decades ago, when the party was a marginal force with limited media coverage.

"In 1987, for the first time, the BJP won control of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, much like the party's recent victory in Thiruvananthapuram. Since then, the people of Gujarat have entrusted us with the opportunity to serve, and we have continued to do so for decades.

"Our journey began in one city in Gujarat, and similarly, in Kerala, our beginnings have started with a single city. I believe this demonstrates that the people of Kerala are beginning to place their trust in the BJP, connecting with us in the same way Gujarat once did," the PM said.

Allegations of neglect, promise of development

Modi alleged that both the LDF and the UDF had neglected Thiruvananthapuram for decades, depriving the capital city of basic facilities and infrastructure.

"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."

"Thiruvananthapuram, for the entire country, will become a model city. I extend my full support to make Thiruvananthapuram one of the best cities in India," he said.

Kerala visit and development push

Modi arrived in Kerala to launch various developmental projects and flag off new train services in the poll-bound state.